Despite having performed on several of the most revolutionary avant–garde jazz records of the 1960s,includingOrnette ColemansFree JazzandJohnColtranesAscension,Freddie Hubbardsown albumstended to hew closer to the mainstream. Perhaps no other single album captures the trumpeters awe–inspiring breadth of ability and versatility thanBreaking Point!, which was recorded in May 1964 shortlyafter Hubbard had departedArt BlakeysJazz Messengers in order to form his own band. On this 6–songset featuring 5 of Hubbards original compositions, his new quintetwithJames Spauldingon altosaxophone and flute,Ronnie Mathewson piano,Eddie Khanon bass, andJoe Chamberson drumsmovesassuredly across vast stylistic terrain. On the stunning title track alone the band shifts from free–form exploration into a playful Calypso and back with ease. The rest of the program traverses modal jazz(Far Away), the blues (Blue Frenzy), and stunningly beautiful balladry (Chambers Mirrors) tocreate one of the more remarkable albums inHubbardsformidable Blue Note oeuvre.

Blue Note Tone Poet Series

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the Tone Poet, on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering (direct from the master tapes) by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Tracklist:

A1: Breaking Point
A2: Far Away (Side A)
B1: Blue Frenxy
B2: D Minor Mnt
B3: Mirrors