Freddie Hubbard & Oscar Peterson - Face to face

Freddie Hubbard matches his talent with that of the legendary pianist Oscar Peterson on this Pablo recording from 1982. Hubbard, who returned to the straight-ahead jazz fold after a long flirtation with the funk-fusion crossover market, plays as bright and brave as ever. Above Joe Pass on guitar, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass, and Martin Drew on bass, Hubbard and Peterson trade blistering improvisations that ebb and flow with the confidence of two gifted elder statesmen.
It belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

There are just five tracks here–the longest of which is a nearly 14-minute take on Miles Davis's "All Blues"–giving the set the loose flavor of a well-polished jam session. The energy never flags however, and each tune is peppered with a playful sense of fun. On Hubbard's "Thermo," Peterson lets loose a solo break with an almost ragtime feel. Hubbard responds with a beautiful airy counterpoint before the two trade their way back to the theme. FACE TO FACE closes with Peterson's full-throttle "Tippin," in which each member of the quintet demonstrates his undeniable credentials. This is a good time shared by some real giants.


Personnel:
Oscar Peterson (piano)
Freddie Hubbard (trumpet)
Martin Drew (drums)
Joe Pass (guitar)
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen (bass)


Recorded at Group IV Studios, Hollywood, California on May 24, 1982. Includes liner notes by Norman Granz.
Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (1997, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley California).


Tracklist:

1. All Blues
2. Thermo
3. Weaver Of Dreams
4. Portrait Of Jenny
5. Tippin'