Hubert Laws (born November 10, 1939) – I Had a Dream (1975)

The legendary flutist wrote this superb jazz-funk jam for his album The Chicago Theme, featuring Stanley Clarke, Bob James, and Steve Gadd.

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Hubert Laws is a genius flutist, saxophonist, and composer. He is the second eldest of the exceptionally talented Laws siblings.

Born in Houston, Texas, Hubert Laws, Jr. was the second of eight children. See our earlier posts on his younger brother Ronnie Laws and sister Eloise Laws for more on their upbringing and musical family. He started playing flute in high school and starting when he was 15 was a member of the original Jazz Crusaders from 1954-60.

Laws released his debut album The Laws of Jazz in 1964 on Atlantic Records, featuring Chick Corea on piano, Richard Davis on bass (who played on Andrew Hill’s Blue Note classic Point of Departure), and Jimmy Cobb on drums, the former member of Miles Davis’ First Great Sextet. The LP included the beautiful ballad “All Soul” and the funky jam “Black Eyed Peas And Rice.”

His eighth studio album Morning Star came out in 1972, produced by Creed Taylor for his jazz label CTI Records. Laws wrote several of its best songs, like the beautiful “Let Her Go,” the epic jazz-funk cut “No More,” and the LP’s masterpiece, the powerful message song “What Do You Think Of This World Now?” which featured his sisters Debra singing lead and Eloise on backing vocals. The album’s stellar lineup included Bob James on piano, Ron Carter on bass, John Tropea on guitar, percussionist Ralph MacDonald, and the great drummer Billy Cobham.

In February, 1974, Laws recorded his double album In The Beginning at Van Gelder Studio. It was released later that year on CTI Records, produced by Creed Taylor.

Some of In the Beginning’s highlights were its epic title track (written by frequent Prince arranger Clare Fischer), his adaptation of the gospel anthem “Come Ye Disconsolate,” and the beautiful “Gymnopedie #1,” written by Erik Satie. The album was later re-titled Then There Was Light and re-released in two volumes.

Laws’ next album The Chicago Theme was recorded in the winter and spring of 1975 and released later that year. He wrote the LP’s funky closing cut “Inflation Chaser,” and the superb jazz-funk jam “I Had A Dream” which featured Stanley Clarke on electric bass, Bob James on keyboards, and Steve Gadd on drums.

Laws appeared in concert on October 4, 1975 at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, a date that was recorded and released two years later as The San Francisco Concert (1977). Its stellar opening cut “Modadji“ was written by Dave Grusin, and the upbeat jam “Farandole (L' Arlesienne Suite # 2)” was adapted from a piece by the 19th century opera composer Georges Bizet. The LP only contained four tracks, although the CD version released in 1987 included the entire concert.

In 1976, Laws released Romeo & Juliet, another solid album that was produced, arranged and conducted by Bob James. Its standout track was the laid back jazz-funk-disco jam “What Are We Gonna Do,” featuring James on keyboards, guitarist Eric Gale, Ralph MacDonald on percussion, Randy Brecker on trumpet, and Steve Gadd on drums.

Happy Birthday to the living legend Hubert Laws.

Further info:

“The laws of jazz, as defined by legendary flutist Hubert Laws,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 31, 2012.

“An Interview with Hubert Laws,” TomKeenlyside.com, February 1, 2018.

#jazz #funk #HubertLaws