Blues Twilight Review

All About Jazz - George Harris

If you ever wondered whatever happened to Freddie Hubbard, here is the answer: he's transformed into an inspiration for trumpeters like Richard Boulger, who first met the elder Hubbard when Boulger was a student at The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. Blessed with a sound that harkens back to Hub's modal days, Boulger has put out Blues Twilight, a delightful recording that is full of smoldering grooves and fiery solos. Featuring legendary pianist John Hicks on the lion's share of the album's tracks, Blues Twilight is filled with originals that have imagination and drive. Most of the songs are in a quintet setting with either Kris Jensen or David Schnitter filling the tenor saxophone chair. The hard driving title piece and the mournful "Tears" are perfect displays of Boulger's searing trumpet work. The energetic duet with drummer Victor ("YA-YAH") Jones on "Perceptions" is a sonic tour-de-force. Fresh and feisty, Blues Twilight is an oasis for late '60s Blue Note bloomers. It is also a fine introduction into the imaginative playing and prowess of Richard Boulger, who has certainly done Freddie Hubbard proud.