Hubbard traces his long career

The celebration of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s 70th birthday at Catalina Bar & Grill on Thursday night was a potent reminder of the significant role he played in the post-bebop ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond. Leading an ensemble that included such veterans as alto saxophonist James Spaulding, trombonist Slide Hampton and pianist George Cables, along with young tenor saxophonist Craig Handy, Hubbard offered a program recalling his most memorable work.

Much of it traced to recordings he made in his 20s and 30s. Performing on such classic albums as Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil,” Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” and Oliver Nelson’s “Blues and the Abstract Truth,” he was the trumpeter of choice in the ‘60s, playing in a style that evolved from its Clifford Brown/Miles Davis roots into an utterly personal perspective.

Hubbard, whose birthday was Monday, also developed rapidly as a composer. Among the survey of his pieces performed by the all-star ensemble, the high points included the airy, floating melody of “Little Sunflower,” the rapidly articulated, boppish phrases of “Arietis” and “Blue Spirits,” with its unexpected combination of magisterial chording and brisk, moving rhythms.

Playing fluegelhorn rather than trumpet, Hubbard made brief, relatively modest contributions to the ensemble performances. Health problems and an upper lip infection in the early ‘90s have limited his instrumental performances in recent years. But the conciseness of his phrases, combined with the underlying improvisational passion that always has been at the heart of his music, were more than enough to recall the stunning playing of Hubbard’s early years.

Fortunately, there also were plenty of impressive contributions from the all-stars. Spaulding, who is heard far too rarely in the Southland, revived the pleasures of the post-Charlie Parker style. Left-handed trombonist-composer Hampton seasoned his brassy excursions with compositional touches. Handy’s spirited soloing recalled the enthusiasm of the youthful Hubbard, while Cables offered his trademark blend of hard-driving phrases and rhapsodic chording.

But it was Hubbard -- past and present -- who was both the honoree of the night and the spotlight attraction for the packed house crowd.

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Freddie Hubbard

Where: Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood

When: Today, 8 and 10 p.m.

Price: $35 (8 p.m.), $30 (10 p.m.)

Contact: (323) 466-2210