1st Bassman

May 2025 1st Bassman album Paul Chambers 1st Bassman.jpg 1961 May 12, 1960 Bell Sound (New York City) Jazz 30:05 Vee-JayVJLP 3012 Sid McCoy Go 1959 1st Bassman is an album by jazz bassist Paul Chambers, recorded at Bell Sound Studios on May 12, 1960 and released by the Vee-Jay label.Jazzdisco: Paul Chambers Catalog, accessed July 22, 2019Fitzgerald, M. Jazz Discography: Paul Chambers Leader Entry, accessed July 22, 2019Callahan, M. & Edwards, D. Both Sides Now: Vee-Jay Album Discography, Part 1: Main Series LP-100-101 & LP-1001-1070 (1956-1963), accessed July 22, 2019 This album is notable for its featured use of the acoustic bass as the lead instrument. Chambers is supported by trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, trombonist Curtis Fuller, tenor saxophonist Yusef Lateef, pianist Wynton Kelly and drummer Lex Humphries. Critical reception AllMusic 4 5 The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings 3 4 Cook Richard Richard Cook (journalist) Morton Brian Brian Morton (Scottish writer) The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings 2008 9th Penguin 978-0-141-03401-0 240 AllMusic reviewer Michael G. Nastos stated "Chambers was allowed to put his bass on top, become a leader in his own right, and play lead melodies with a clear, ringing, well enunciated tone. 1st Bassman is anchored by rising stars from Detroit such as Yusef Lateef, Curtis Fuller ... The emphasis on the compositions of Lateef all display a spare construct, rearing the horns to a marginal level except for solos, allowing Chambers to take care of business and control the shaping of the melodies, with little unison play involved. ... This CD and its companion piece Go complement the preceding Blue Note sessions, comprising a small but potent body of work that few bassists have produced in modern jazz".Michael G. Nastos album mw0000187961 Paul Chambers: Go – Review AllMusic July 2, 2019 Reviewing The Complete Vee Jay Paul Chambers/Wynton Kelly Sessions 1959-61 for All About Jazz C. Michael Hovan said "there seems to be some very perceptible growth in Chamber’s ability to move the date beyond your average blowing session. All the tunes are by Yusef Lateef and he manages to develop interesting structures that stimulate the creative juices of a fantastic sextet".Hovan, C. M. All About Jazz Review, accessed July 22, 2019 In JazzTimes Harvey Pekar wrote "The soloists here do a fine job of making their work consistent with the character of the compositions. Chambers’ work is prominently featured, and he plays thoughtfully as well as exhibiting his vaunted chops".Pekar, H. JazzTimes Review, accessed July 22, 2019 Track listing All compositions by Yusef Lateef except where noted "Melody" – 4:08 "Bass Region'" – 10:35 "Retrogress" – 3:29 "Mopp Shoe Blues" – 6:05 "Blessed" – 7:04 "Who's Blues" (Cannonball Adderley) – 8:24 Personnel Paul Chambers - bass Tommy Turrentine - trumpet Curtis Fuller - trombone Yusef Lateef - tenor saxophone, flute Wynton Kelly - piano Lex Humphries - drums References Category:1961 albums Category:Paul Chambers albums Category:Vee-Jay Records albums