A Soul Experiment
Freddie Hubbard · 1969
38 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and soul, marked by dynamic brass arrangements and rhythmic grooves that invite movement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Clap Your Hands — This opener sets the tone with an infectious rhythm and engaging brass lines that encapsulate the album's joyful spirit. Its call-and-response structure invites listener participation, making it a standout track.
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Wichita Lineman — A unique take on Glen Campbell's classic, Hubbard’s interpretation showcases his ability to blend lyrical melody with complex improvisation, creating a fresh perspective on a well-known tune.
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Midnite Soul — This track epitomizes the album's core theme of soulful exploration, featuring lush harmonies and a laid-back groove that highlight Hubbard's expressive playing.
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Soul Turn Around — With its laid-back yet compelling beat, this track allows Hubbard to display his technical skill while maintaining an accessible sound that resonates with both jazz and soul enthusiasts.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalA Soul Experiment showcases strong compositions and vibrant arrangements, blending jazz and soul effectively.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track featuring prominent brass and rhythmic grooves, setting an upbeat tone that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response patterns between the trumpet and other instruments, creating a conversational dynamic.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, introducing more contemplative melodies that contrast with earlier pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo grooves
- brassy textures for relaxation
- soulful rhythms for unwinding
- engaging horn melodies throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek complex, lengthy compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, A Soul Experiment was Freddie Hubbard's follow-up to his acclaimed album, The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in jazz, exploring new stylistic territories that blended traditional jazz with contemporary influences. This album represents a pivotal moment where Hubbard began to experiment more with soul elements in his music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clap Your Hands 3:26
- 2 Wichita Lineman 3:17
- 3 South Street Stroll 4:28
- 4 Lonely Soul 3:03
- 5 No Time to Lose 4:32
- 6 Hang ’Em Up 3:08
- 7 Good Humor Man 3:44
- 8 Midnite Soul 5:19
- 9 Soul Turn Around 4:01
- 10 A Soul Experiment 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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