What makes The Black Angel by Freddie Hubbard notable?

The Black Angel is notable for its ambitious length and structure, particularly with the nearly seventeen-minute opener 'Spacetrack,' which exemplifies Hubbard's innovative approach to jazz. It received positive reviews from critics, helping solidify his reputation as a leading innovator in the genre during the early 1970s. When Freddie Hubbard released The Black Angel in 1970, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, having gained recognition through albums like Red Clay. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into avant-garde jazz and complex compositions, showcasing his virtuosic trumpet skills during a period where he was pushing musical boundaries.

Who is The Black Angel for?

The Black Angel works well if you're into gradual build to cosmic resolution, immersive sonic exploration experience and patient unfolding of intricate improvisations.

How many songs are on The Black Angel?

The Black Angel has 5 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

The Black Angel

Freddie Hubbard · 1970

45 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A cosmic jazz odyssey blending intricate horn arrangements with expansive improvisational landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Spacetrack — As the album's opening track, 'Spacetrack' features extended improvisation that showcases Hubbard's technical prowess and sets an exploratory tone for the rest of the album.
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The Black Angel — 'The Black Angel' serves as a thematic centerpiece, weaving together haunting melodies and complex rhythms that highlight Hubbard’s ability to blend emotion with experimentation.
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Eclipse — 'Eclipse' contrasts dynamic shifts and atmospheric textures, illustrating Hubbard's mastery of mood and pace within his compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious structure and intricate arrangements create a compelling jazz experience.

What we noticed

The opening track 'Spacetrack' is nearly seventeen minutes long, featuring extended improvisation that evolves through multiple sections.
Each track showcases intricate horn arrangements that often intertwine, creating a dense texture that requires attentive listening.

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

gradual build to cosmic resolution
immersive sonic exploration experience
patient unfolding of intricate improvisations
deep focus for attentive listeners

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: When Freddie Hubbard released The Black Angel in 1970, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, having gained recognition through albums like Red Clay. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into avant-garde jazz and complex compositions, showcasing his virtuosic trumpet skills during a period where he was pushing musical boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Lee Morgan· Donald Byrd· Art Farmer