Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower”

Written by the great American jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, “Little Sunflower” is a song off Hubbard’s 1967 album “Backlash.”

A model tune based around the key of D, “Little Sunflower” was recorded in New York, New York on October 19 & 24, 1966 by Atlantic Studios. This song features Hubbard on flute accompanied by James Spauliding on alto saxophone/flute, Bob Cunningham on bass, Ray Appleton on drums, Ray Barretto on percussion and Albert Daily on piano.

Originally played with a Latin, bossa nova feel, this versatile song has been covered by many musicians including Dorothy Ashby, El Chicano, The Ted Vining Trio, Arturo Sandoval, and Rhythm Azule.

Tune in to First Take with Chavis and Lando — weekdays from 6-9 am MST — for Stories of Standards to hear our favorite versions of this song all week long!