Single review: Bevan Manson, featuring Suzanne Pittson - Out of the Hub(Vineland Records 2025)

New York-based vocalist/educator, Suzanne Pittson has long been an ardent admirer of the canon of trumpet master, Freddie Hubbard. To that end, in 2010 and with Hubbard’s imprimatur, she released Out of the Hub -The Music of Freddie Hubbard (Vineland Records, 2010). Presenting all Hubbard-associated selections, that fine album featured Pittson and an intensely swinging ensemble which included trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt and Pittson’s pianist/husband, Jeff. 

This new single – a possible precursor to another Hubbard-related project – takes on Freddie’s One of Another Kind and repositions it again as Out of the Hub with the vocalist now surrounded by both a large jazz ensemble (all Los Angeles A-Listers) and a vibrant string orchestra, all arranged brilliantly by pianist and frequent collaborator, Bevan Manson.

It is a fascinating exercise – as this reviewer did – to listen to Pittson’s original 2010 effort, as well as the numerous recordings Hubbard did of the tune. This presentation is engagingly different on multiple levels – structural, textural, and production-wise – all the while being impeccably performed.

Unlike Hubbard’s original introduction which offered a more somber “blues roots” presentation, here Manson gives us a light, florid, entré with winds and strings in dance with Pittson’s melisma soon joining. Things quickly develop with saxophone, trumpet, et al quietly noodling behind. It soon explodes as the vocalist, now backed by full jazz ensemble, rips into the melody with her newly-composed lyrics. It is quite interesting that the singer-ensemble interplay here (and the voicings and recording values of the ensemble) are reminiscent to this ear of the classic Gil Evans/Miles Davis sessions. That is brilliant singing, writing and production right there – and a “wow” moment.

Pittson’s lyric statements and her scatting, pitch-sense and dynamics chops are outstanding. She swings heavy as she bops along and scats hard, accompanied by her own overdubbed keys. The rhythm section behind her burns and the orchestra swirls in delight. Alto saxophonist Matt Zebly delivers an intense solo (including copping one of Hub’s trademark bop licks) as does Manson. The opening motif and melody return with Pittson, orchestra and screaming brass all-out before things wind down to a quieter solo violin end with Pittson on a perfectly placed high E. Killer that.

Out of the Hub is an expansive, enthralling and - dare I say - addictive presentation that combines Suzanne Pittson’s vast talents, insightful Bevan Manson arrangements, outstanding supporting ensembles and terrific production values. I’m sure the Master would approve. Nick Mondello

Suzanne Pittson (voice, synthesizer);  Bevan Manson (piano); Trey Henry (bass); Matt Gordy  (drums); Wade Culbreath (timpani); Brad Dutz (antique cymbals, glockenspiel); Wayne Bergeron, Larry Hall, Gary Grant (trumpet); Bob McChesney (trombone); Brian O’Connor  (French horn); Matt Zebley (alto saxophone); Bob Sheppard (tenor saxophone); Brian Scanlon  (clarinet); Tom Boyd (oboe); Ben Wendel (bassoon).

Strings: Ralph Morrison (concertmaster, 1st violin), Amy Hersberger, Eric Hosler, Susan Rishik, Neal Samples, Joel Pargman, Irina Voloshina (1st violins);  Alyssa Park, Margaret Wooten, Alwyn Wright, Raphael Rishik, Nancy Roth (2nd violin); Pam Goldsmith, Vicky Miskcolczy, Carol Kleister-Castillo, Alan Busteed (violas); Andrew Shulman, Maurice Grants, Armin Ksajikian (cellos); Don Ferrone, Sue Ranney (bass). 

Santa Fe Ensemble: Robert Beasley (trumpet); Carla Kountoupes (violin); Jerry Weimer (clarinet); Alex Murzyn (tenor saxophone); Stefanie Przybylska (bassoon).