Released in 1970, “Straight Life” came out in between the more well known Hubbard albums “Red Clay” and “First Light”. While I will always be partial to “Red Clay” for personal reasons (it is one of the first jazz albums I ever bought), “Straight Life” may be Hubbard’s greatest CTI recording. The all-star group (Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette) were all very familiar with each other by this point in their careers and play off each other with ease. All are on the same page playing the post-bop fusion selections that Hubbard chose for these sessions including his own classic compostition, the title track Straight Life.
Released 1970 : CTI Records : Catalog # 6007
Players:
Freddie Hubbard – Trumpet
Joe Henderson – Tenor Sax
Herbie Hancock – Piano
George Benson – Guitar
Ron Carter – Bass
Jack DeJohnette – Drums