Bolivia's Style: Freddie Hubbard's Latin Jazz Flavor

The tune Bolivia by Freddie Hubbard is a jazz composition from his 1991 album of the same name. The track features performances by Hubbard on trumpet, Ralph Moore on tenor saxophone, Vincent Herring on alto saxophone, Cedar Walton on piano, David Williams on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The Los Angeles Times characterised the title track as sashay [ing] back and forth between an undulating Latin feeling and a driving swing section.

The tune's Latin and swing influences

The tune "Bolivia" by Freddie Hubbard is characterised by its Latin and swing influences. Released in 1991, the track is a showcase of Hubbard's trumpet playing, with Latin and swing elements seamlessly woven together.

The Los Angeles Times described the title track as "sashaying back and forth between an undulating Latin feeling and a driving swing section". This juxtaposition of styles creates a dynamic and captivating sound, highlighting Hubbard's versatility as a trumpeter. The Latin influence is prominent, with an undulating rhythm and melodic phrasing that evokes a sense of fluidity and movement. This is complemented by the driving swing section, where the music takes on a more energetic and propulsive character.

The Latin feeling in "Bolivia" can be attributed to its rhythmic patterns and instrumentation. Latin music often emphasises complex rhythms and syncopation, creating a danceable and infectious groove. The use of percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals, further accentuates the Latin vibe, adding depth and texture to the overall sound.

On the other hand, the swing influence in "Bolivia" is evident in its strong rhythmic drive and use of improvisation. Swing music typically features a steady pulse and a swinging eighth-note feel, which can be heard in the track's driving swing section. This steady pulse provides a sense of forward momentum, while improvisation allows the musicians to showcase their technical prowess and creativity.

The interplay between the Latin and swing sections in "Bolivia" is what makes the tune unique. The seamless transition between the two styles showcases the musicians' technical mastery and their ability to blend disparate elements harmoniously. This fusion of Latin and swing creates a distinctive sound that has garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike, solidifying Freddie Hubbard's place in the realm of jazz and Latin music.

The album's release and label

The style of the Freddie Hubbard tune "Bolivia" can be broadly categorised as jazz, with Latin influences. The album of the same name was released on the Music Master label in 1991 and features performances by several notable musicians, including Hubbard on trumpet, Ralph Moore and Vincent Herring on tenor and alto saxophone respectively, Cedar Walton on piano, David Williams on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

The album "Bolivia" is an important addition to Hubbard's extensive discography, which spans several decades and includes notable releases such as "Ready for Freddie" (1962), "Breaking Point!" (1964), and "The Hub of Hubbard" (1969). "Bolivia" showcases Hubbard's continued exploration of jazz and his ability to blend Latin and swing influences seamlessly.

The title track, "Bolivia," composed by Cedar Walton, is a standout piece on the album. It gracefully alternates between a pulsating Latin groove and a driving swing section, showcasing the versatility and dynamism that characterise Hubbard's playing style. The Los Angeles Times highlighted this unique blend of Latin and swing elements in their review of the album.

In addition to the title track, the album features other compositions by Hubbard, such as "Homegrown," "God Bless the Child," "Dear John," and "Third World." These compositions provide a diverse range of musical flavours and showcase Hubbard's talent as a composer and arranger. The album also includes a cover of the classic "God Bless the Child," written by Arthur Herzog Jr. and Billie Holiday.

The release of "Bolivia" on the Music Master label added another dimension to Hubbard's artistic portfolio and provided listeners with a collection of captivating performances that highlight his mastery of jazz trumpet and his ability to blend diverse musical influences seamlessly.

The musicians involved

Hubbard, born in Indianapolis, was an American jazz trumpeter who played bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles. He is considered one of the most influential trumpeters of his generation, with an "unmistakable and influential tone" that contributed to new perspectives in modern jazz and bebop.

Throughout his career, Hubbard collaborated with numerous jazz greats, including Ornette Coleman, Quincy Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Sonny Rollins, Slide Hampton, Eric Dolphy, J.J. Johnson, John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and many others.

In 1960, at the age of 20, Hubbard recorded his first record as a leader, 'Open Sesame', with saxophonist Tina Brooks, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Clifford Jarvis. He followed this with several other recordings as a bandleader and as a sideman, including with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

Hubbard's collaborations extended beyond his work as a sideman and leader. In 1977, he joined the all-star V.S.O.P. band, which featured Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter, and Wayne Shorter. In 1988, he played with Elton John, contributing trumpet and flugelhorn solos to the track "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (Part Two)" on John's 'Reg Strikes Back' album.

In addition to his work as a musician, Hubbard was also a composer, with powerful originals such as 'Red Clay' and 'Crisis'.

Reviews of the track

The track "Bolivia" by Freddie Hubbard is a Latin-style jazz composition. It was recorded in 1990 and released on the album of the same name in 1991.

The Los Angeles Times described the song as "sashaying back and forth between an undulating Latin feeling and a driving swing section." This review highlights the song's ability to blend Latin and swing jazz elements seamlessly. The undulating Latin feeling likely refers to the rhythmic and melodic undulations characteristic of Latin music, while the driving swing section represents the energetic and propulsive nature of swing jazz.

Scott Yanow, in his AllMusic review, calls the album a "recommended disc to fans of the modern mainstream." He suggests that the music is satisfying and will appeal to those who enjoy contemporary jazz styles.

The song has also been described as "cool" by a jazz blogger, indicating that it is well-regarded by jazz enthusiasts and musicians.

Additionally, the album "Bolivia" has received positive ratings on Amazon, with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from six ratings. While these ratings do not provide specific comments on the title track, they indicate a general appreciation for the album as a whole.

Overall, "Bolivia" by Freddie Hubbard is a well-received jazz composition that blends Latin and swing jazz elements to create a contemporary sound.

Other songs on the album

The "Bolivia" track by Freddie Hubbard is a blend of Latin and swing music. The album 'Bolivia' features other songs that showcase Hubbard's talent as a trumpeter and composer.

The first track on the album is "Homegrown", an 8-minute, 41-second-long piece. The album also includes "God Bless the Child", a cover of the song by Arthur Herzog Jr. and Billie Holiday, which is a soulful and emotional piece. "Dear John", a 7-minute, 30-second track, is an arrangement of "Giant Steps" and features a descending major triad jazz lick. "Third World", an 8-minute, 11-second song, rounds out the album with its unique sound.

The album 'Bolivia' showcases Freddie Hubbard's versatility as a trumpeter and composer, exploring a range of styles and moods within the jazz genre.

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