The prodigious trumpeterFreddie Hubbarddebuted on Blue Note in 1960 and produced an astounding run of recordings over the first half of the decade that culminated withBlue Spirits, which was the last of his 1960s studio albums for the label. This bluesy and spirited album presented five evocative Hubbard originals, each of which was given a richly textured arrangement for an ensemble that included a dynamic four-horn line-up. Drawn from two different sessions, the first date produced the gratifying opening track Soul Surge and the percolating Cunga Black with Hubbard joined byJames Spauldingon alto saxophone and flute,Joe Hendersonon tenor saxophone,Kiane Zawadion euphonium,Harold Mabernon piano,Larry Ridleyon bass,Clifford Jarvison drums, andBig Blackon congas. A week later Hubbard returned to Van Gelder Studio with Spaulding, Zawadi, and a slightly different line-up includingHank Mobleyon tenor saxophone,McCoy Tyneron piano,Bob Cranshawon bass, andPete LaRocaon drums. This 2nd session rounded out the album with hard-charging performances of Outer Forces and Jodo, as well as the mesmerizing title track.

UHQ-CDs reproduce the sound of original master tapes as faithfully as possible by utilizing new transfer technologies and improved materials to produce high-quality sound with a better representation of the whole stage. UHQ-CDs comply with CD standards and can be played on existing players. Each title is presented in a UHQ-CD jewel case with an obi-strip and the original sleeve notes reproduced on the back inlay.

Tracklist:
1. Soul Surge
2. Blue Spirits
3. Outer Forces
4. Cunga Black
5. Jodo