Recorded between trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's better-known classics Red Clay and First Light, Straight Life is actually arguably Hubbard's greatest recording. Hubbard, joined by an all-star group that includes tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, guitarist George Benson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, is frequently astounding on "Straight Life" (check out that introduction) and "Mr. Clean", constructing classic solos. The very memorable set is rounded off by the trumpeter's duet with Bensonon a lyrical version of the ballad "Here's That Rainy Day". This exciting album is essential for all serious jazz collections. Scott Yanow / AMG

One of the great jazz trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard formed his sound out of the Clifford Brown / Lee Morgan tradition, and by the early '70s was immediately distinctive and the pacesetter in jazz. However, a string of blatantly commercial albums later in the decade damaged his reputation and, just when Hubbard, in the early '90s (with the deaths of Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis), seemed perfectly suited for the role of veteran master, his chops started causing him serious troubles. - Scott Yanow / AMG