What makes Goin' Up by Freddie Hubbard notable?

The album is notable for its fresh approach to hard bop, receiving critical acclaim for its inventive compositions and dynamic performances. It helped to further popularize Hubbard's style, influencing future generations of jazz trumpeters and contributing to the genre's evolution in the early 1960s. In 1961, Freddie Hubbard was establishing himself as a leading voice in the jazz scene, following his acclaimed debut album 'Open Sesame' from 1960. 'Goin' Up' marked his second studio album, showcasing his growth as a composer and bandleader while solidifying his reputation during an era when jazz was evolving rapidly.

Goin' Up works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, vibrant improvisational moments and engaging trumpet-led dialogues.

How many songs are on Goin' Up?

Goin' Up has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Goin' Up

Freddie Hubbard · 1961

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of hard bop with intricate trumpet lines and expansive ensemble arrangements that evoke a sense of urgency and innovation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Asiatic Raes — This track exemplifies Hubbard's bold trumpet playing and features complex harmonies that set the tone for the album's innovative spirit.
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I Wished I Knew — This piece showcases a lyrical depth and emotional resonance, highlighting Hubbard's ability to blend technical skill with expressive melody.
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Blues for Brenda — With its soulful undertones and intricate rhythms, this track reveals Hubbard's mastery in merging traditional blues elements with modern jazz sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album displays strong compositions and engaging performances but lacks the cohesion of a fully realized concept.

What we noticed

The album features intricate trumpet lines that frequently engage in call-and-response with the ensemble, creating a dynamic interplay.
The arrangements include rich harmonies and layered instrumentation, often featuring piano and saxophone prominently alongside the trumpet.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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 exploration
vibrant improvisational moments
engaging trumpet-led dialogues
afternoon groove with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
seek standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context: In 1961, Freddie Hubbard was establishing himself as a leading voice in the jazz scene, following his acclaimed debut album 'Open Sesame' from 1960. 'Goin' Up' marked his second studio album, showcasing his growth as a composer and bandleader while solidifying his reputation during an era when jazz was evolving rapidly.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer