JAZZ REVIEW : Hubbard’s Trumpet Sizzles, Snaps at Ambassador

Freddie Hubbard, the finest trumpeter in jazz when he chooses to be, is an emotional artist who can apparently turn his enthusiasm for improvisation on and off on a whim.

Appearing Sunday afternoon at Ambassador Auditorium, Hubbard seemed to be in a happy, charismatic frame of mind, and played that way. Accompanied by an ad hoc band, he worked with sizzle and snap, offering melodies and improvisations that showered sparks of sound on the appreciative audience. The band included pianist Cedar Walton (Hubbard’s former 1960s Art Blakey sidekick), saxophonist Javon Jackson and two longtime associates--bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Carl Burnett .

On Walton’s exotic “Bolivia,” Hubbard emitted a tone that was sometimes grainy and gritty, sometimes shimmering and seductive.

Also the trumpeter delivered cascades of notes that zoomed up and down his horn’s range, along with staccato tones that stood separate from each. On fluegelhorn, he played “God Bless the Child” warmly and effusively.

Vibist Bobby Hutcherson, who’s been working with Hubbard since the ‘60s, was a guest star for the second set. He captured the crowd with a dazzling version of “My Foolish Heart,” playing only the melody, but ornamenting it with dashing asides and fluttering trills, making the song completely his own.

Hubbard appears with his own band Friday at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine.