What makes Splash by Freddie Hubbard notable?

Splash is significant for its blend of traditional jazz elements with modern textures, reflecting Hubbard's adaptability as an artist. The album was well-received, contributing to Hubbard's resurgence in the jazz scene during a time when many artists were exploring new musical directions. Released in 1981, Splash marked Freddie Hubbard's return after a brief hiatus from recording. This album came during a prolific period in his career, following the critically acclaimed First Light in 1971 and several other notable projects throughout the '70s, positioning him among the key figures in jazz.

Splash works well if you're into steady mid-tempo grooves, rich emotional landscapes and engaging trumpet melodies.

How many songs are on Splash?

Splash has 7 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Splash

Freddie Hubbard · 1981

38 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of post-bop jazz and contemporary influences, showcasing Freddie Hubbard's masterful trumpet and rich harmonic explorations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Splash — The title track opens the album with a dynamic energy that highlights Hubbard's virtuosic trumpet work and sets the tone for the rest of the record.
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Mystic Lady — This track showcases intricate arrangements and a haunting melody, allowing Hubbard to explore deeper emotional expressions through his improvisation.
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You're Gonna Lose Me — With its intense interplay between instruments, this piece exemplifies Hubbard's ability to create tension and release within compelling solos.

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

Splash showcases Hubbard's trumpet mastery while blending traditional and modern jazz elements effectively.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent trumpet melody layered over complex rhythmic patterns, establishing a vibrant atmosphere.
Each track incorporates varied instrumentation, including electric piano and synthesizers, which blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary sounds.
The final two tracks slow the tempo significantly, creating a reflective contrast to the more energetic pieces earlier in the album.

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

Influence 3/10

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 grooves
rich emotional landscapes
engaging trumpet melodies
in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short standalone pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1981, Splash marked Freddie Hubbard's return after a brief hiatus from recording. This album came during a prolific period in his career, following the critically acclaimed First Light in 1971 and several other notable projects throughout the '70s, positioning him among the key figures in jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer