Finnish jazz trumpetist, Jukka Eskola, also known for his work in nu-jazz bands like Nuspirit Helsinki, The Five Corners Quintet and the bizarroelectro Jimi Tenor Group, has released his second album Hub Up, tribute to Freddie Hubbard one of the most prominent jazz trumpetists ever from my favourite Jazz band “The Jazz Messengers” led by the legendary drummer Art Blakey and also including another legend, pianist Horace Silver which we hope to do a post about soon!.

Last years self titled delicacy was a surprise hit with me as I didn’t know that Jukka was already involved in that many groups (as Tumel told in the last post, sidemen names are rarely remembered unless they’re from 80s metal bands.) but his club flavoured nujazz stuff had made me go back to that album more than once.

That’s why I was pretty hyped up with this one where Hubbard originals like Gibraltar, Keep Your Soul Together and Povo are beatifully rendered and modernized here, with some modern day electric-funk. The band is used to playing together as the Five Corners Quintet, so expect the playing to be top notch. Great balance between a fluid style / experimentation making this album suitable for both worlds. Make sure you listen to these splendid versions of “Keep your soul together” and “Love Connection” both Hubbard classics, also featured is “1974” from last years self-titled CD, which could be noted as a minor downtempo hit in the years to come.

Jukka Eskola Quintet - Love Connection
Jukka Eskola Quintet - Keep your Soul Together
Jukka Eskola - 1984