Todd Herbert: Captain Hubs

TH PRODUCTIONS 2000 (RELEASED OCTOBER 1, 2025)

With credentials that include stints with Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Cobb and Charles Earland, tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert keeps a low profile as a recording artist.
Captain Hubs is his fourth CD since his debut recording in 1999. This time around Herbert enlisted the tasteful assistance of pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Webber and drummer Louis Hayes for s set of tunes infused with the spirit of John Coltrane. This nod to Coltrane is most evident in Herbert’s passionate tone and harmonic gyrations if not by the choice of tunes that include Coltrane’s “Straight Street” and a breathtaking version of a ballad Coltrane played with Miles Davis, “You Go to My Head.” Several Herbert originals are steeped in the Coltrane tradition as well — “Captain Hubs,” which Herbert wrote for his former employer Freddie Hubbard and “The Mind’s Eye,” which bears a striking resemblance to “Giant Steps.” Captain Hubs also gives Herbert an opportunity to revisit originals he recorded on earlier releases including the somewhat somber “Prophet’s Oracle,” the boppish “Temple of Silence” and the up-tempo swinger “Look into the Abyss.” Louis Hayes contributed his rhythmic original titled “Lou’s Idea” and David Hazeltine added his upbeat tune “In The Moment” to the session. The group also explores the intricacies of Wayne Shorter’s “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum.” All in all, Capitan Hubs is a solid session in the post hardbop tradition that makes up in energy and precision what it may lack in originality.

BOTTOM LINE: It’s not every day that tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert releases a recording. It’s not even every year! Captain Hubs is his fourth release since his debut session in 1999. Like his earlier releases, this one is infused with the spirit of early 1960’s John Coltrane — in Herbert’s tone, his solos, his choice of tunes (originals and standards) as well as the excellent choice in bandmates.