Paul Chambers

The Profile

Paul Chambers (May 22, 1935 – January 4, 1969) was an American jazz double bassist, known for his lyrical solos, arco technique and work as a foundational rhythm-player with leading jazz groups.

Chambers is publicly known for his work in the 1950s and 1960s, including recordings with Miles Davis (he appears on recordings such as Kind of Blue), for leading a small number of albums on which he is the principal soloist (notably Bass on Top and Paul Chambers Quintet), and for his use of bowed (arco) bass on certain tracks. He died in 1969.

Two very positive DeBaser reviews highlight Paul Chambers's lyrical double-bass playing and role as the rhythmic foundation in ensembles. "Bass On Top" is praised for melody and solo space; "Quintet" for feeling and interplay with top-tier sidemen. Reviewers emphasize Chambers's taste, arco use and sense of phrasing.