Open Sesame (1960) was Freddie Hubbard's first record as a leader. According to the liner notes Tina Brooks was studying with Jackie McLean at the time of this session, and he does mirror McLean's penetrating, bluesy sound. He solos with logic and passion. As a writer Brooks contributes the two best tunes of the session: "Open Sesame," a close relative to Sonny Rollins' "Airegin", and "Gypsy Blue," a Blues that inspires Hubbard.