Whims of Chambers--Paul Chambers

[Milestones]

I finally got around to checking out this Paul Chambers record.  Pretty nice, but then how can you go wrong with a supporting cast of John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Horace Silver, and Philly Joe?

Does anyone else think it's quite odd that Coltrane has two writing credits, yet does not play on either of those pieces? 

Also, why was Chambers' solo/leader output so small and why did it end at such a young age?

 

Edited December 4, 2020 by Milestones

[Dub Modal]

Not sure but he sadly passed at age 33, which is probably the main reason. He was also really busy while playing, just a very productive but all too short career. 

No idea on the Coltrane question though. 

[medjuck]

4 minutes ago, Dub Modal said:

Not sure but he sadly passed at age 33, which is probably the main reason. He was also really busy while playing, just a very productive but all too short career. 

 

What !! I never realized that.   

[Dub Modal]

2 minutes ago, medjuck said:

What !! I never realized that.   

On the very long list of jazz artists that died way, way, way too young. 

[Milestones]

Yes, he died very young, but he also didn't record an album as a leader after age 25. 

 

[Dub Modal]

I can only guess touring and recording in other bands and whatever was going on in his personal life as the reasons that limited his time/availability for leader dates. 

[jazzbo]

My guess might be. . . well I won't say it but it's been "problematic" in many jazz careers.

His was an amazing talent.

Edited December 4, 2020 by jazzbo

[Milestones]

When he did do the leader dates, he was with Miles, as well as heavily recording with Coltrane, Burrell, Adderley, Lee Morgan, Red Garland, etc.

 

 

[Son Of Ice Bag]

o.k., a pretty nice record. Nothing more.

Please try "Bass on Top". It's a real classic !

[Milestones]

I've had Bass on Top for awhile now. I agree it's the better of the two records, but not by a big margin.

 

[mjzee]

I was never impressed with Bass On Top, which reflects my lack of fascination with bass solos.  Still, the CD isn't helped by the extreme stereo separation.  I'd like to hear a mono copy.

[Eric]

43 minutes ago, mjzee said:

I was never impressed with Bass On Top, which reflects my lack of fascination with bass solos.

Yes I bought this (for a 2nd time) a while ago in hopes that  I would like it more.  I wish that I did but I don’t for the same reason.  Even sequenced the songs in reverse order, but no luck.

Edited December 4, 2020 by Eric

[Dave James]

Arco solos in general are unlistenable, but Chambers takes it to a whole new level. I liken his sound to swarming bees or someone hellbent on sawing his instrument in two.  

Edited December 5, 2020 by Dave James

[medjuck]

When I saw him live (a couple of times) with The Trio, I was surprised that  nearly every bass solo was arco. 

[Milestones]

The arco thing was fairly big with him, it seems.  Like others, I'm not much into those solos.  Mingus could do arco.  Holland can do arco.

 

 

[Dub Modal]

Love some arco bass solos. Y'all are weird. 

 

[Steve Reynolds]

19 hours ago, Milestones said:

The arco thing was fairly big with him, it seems.  Like others, I'm not much into those solos.  Mingus could do arco.  Holland can do arco.

 

 

Most modern/current bassists are amazing on arco

 

[Milestones]

Still wondering if anyone has an idea on why Coltrane wrote two pieces (so the credits say), yet did not play on either one.