10 Facts About Paul Chambers
- Surrounded by Music from an Early Age. Paul Chambers grew up in Detroit, the city known for its rich jazz history that produced many influential jazzmen. Jazz was the music that shaped him as a musician and to which he decided to devote his life.
- It Started with Classical Music. During his school years, Chambers mainly focused on classical music, performing with the school symphony orchestra and student groups.
- Inspired By The Best. Paul was fascinated with bass players Oscar Pettiford and Ray Brown. They played a great role in his decision to become a bassist himself.
- Career Beginnings in New York. His professional career blossomed after he moved to New York City in 1955.
- New Approach that Changed Everything. Paul Chambers took bass playing to new heights. His performances were full of special textures thanks to the bowed bass solos.
- Personal Style. Although he drew inspiration from other bassists, he managed to create his own style, with impeccable timing, melodic bass lines, and fluid technique. Chambers knew how to choose the right notes that allowed him to work in different musical contexts.
- Paul Chambers and Miles Davis. He was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, where he played from 1955. Collaborating with Miles, Chambers contributed to shaping of the hard bop sound and laid the basis for many iconic performances.
- Collaboration with Remarkable Musicians. Chambers also collaborated with jazz legends such as John Coltrane, with whom he recorded 14 albums including “Giant Steps”, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, and Red Garland.
- The Most Frequently Heard Bassist. The fact that he contributed his skills and professionalism to many real classics like “All Blues”, “Freddy Freeloader”, and “Giant Steps” brought him a reputation as one of the most influential and most-listened to bass players.
- Legacy. Paul Chambers is often considered as one of the first jazz bassists who gained the recognition both as an arco and pizzicato bass soloist. His records continue to inspire contemporary bassists.
1 comment
As a bass player I was heavily influenced by his playing!
Larry Graefnitz
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