In 1970, Freddie Hubbard signed with CTI Records and proceeded to record the album that many still consider his best: Red Clay. This is pretty straight ahead jazz with a sometimes rock rhythm section feel. Its main claim to being ‘plugged in’ is that Herbie Hancock plays the Fender Rhodes electric piano. The title track, with a lilting boogaloo rhythm, gives rise to powerful solos by Joe Henderson on tenor sax and Hubbard himself. Ron Carter is on bass, and Lenny White, who would soon join Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, on drums. Hancock’s work here gives testimony to the fact that he was one of the prime inventors of the jazz language for electric keyboards. This was so much less extreme than what Miles was doing, particularly live, that it’s hard to imagine, with hindsight, that this would be considered anything other than jazz.  OK, so John Lennon’s ‘Cold Turkey’ is a slightly strange tune selection, but it provides a basic groove for some fiery jamming. The reissued version of the album also features an eighteen minute live version of ‘Red Clay’ that features a CTI All Star lineup that includes George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Johnny Hammond, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, and Airto. It’s a bit more groove driven and less relaxed than the studio version, and the performances are all good. Download at emusic

Hank Mobley album downloads for only $3.68!!

Soul Station (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition)
This classic set features the oft-underrated tenor saxophonist with a rhythm section of Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Art Blakey. It should be on anyone's list of Desert Island Discs, and you can download the MP3 version for only $3.68!!! That's not all, you can also download Mobley's Blue Note sets Roll Call (Rudy Van Gelder Edition), Workout, and Dippin' for the same low price. Add some Hank Mobley to your digital library--you sure won't be sorry!

Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson dies at 81

Iconic Chicago jazz saxophonist Fred Anderson has died at the age of 81. Anderson was perhaps best known as the proprietor of the Velvet Lounge, the club that he opened in 1982 and ran until his death. The club was kept afloat largely through donations from Anderson's fans and admirers. He kept overhead low by performing many of the necessary tasks himself, from collecting a $10 cover charge to stocking the bar to performing at the club regularly.

The Velvet Lounge was a lightning rod for 'free' jazz in Chicago, and it was always packed with musicians jamming into the night after the Chicago Jazz Fest. It became an important focal point for young musicians as well, and many of them donated time to help keep the club running as well. Musicians who got their start at the Velvet Lounge and were nurtured by Anderson include Nicole Mitchell, Hamid Drake, Corey Wilkes, Edward Wilkerson, Jr. and longtime collaborator Tatsu Aoki.

Fred Anderson never sought stardom, but his longevity and dedication to the Chicago jazz scene guaranteed that he would be noticed. His tenor sax style was frenetic, but his playing had a definite swing to it. He is often noted as having bridged the gap between Charlie Parker's bebop and the free jazz of the 1960s.

Anderson was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston complaining of stomach pains. Two days later he suffered a massive heart attack and was unresponsive until his passing. Last year at Jazz Fest, a large gathering in Millennium Park honored Anderson and his music, which was played by an impressive contingent of musicians.

Bill Dixon dead at 84

Avant-garde trumpet player and composer Bill Dixon has passed away at the age of 84. Mr. Dixon has headed the Black Music Divison (which he helped create) since 1973, and began his time in academia in 1968. Ben Ratliff's obituary is an excellent outline of his life and career.

Mindi Abair - In Hi Fi Stereo

Mindi Abair "In Hi-Fi Stereo" is out! Read our review of it at www.jazzitude.com/abair_hifi.htm