Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers Jr. (April 22, 1935 – January 4, 1969) was a jazz double bassist. A fixture of rhythm sections during the 1950s and 1960s, his importance in the development of jazz bass can be measured not only by the extent of his work in this short period, but also by his impeccable timekeeping and virtuosic improvisations. He was also known for his bowed solos. Chambers recorded about a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, and as a sideman, especially as the anchor of trumpeter Miles Davis’s “first great quintet” (1955-63) and with pianist Wynton Kelly (1963-68).
instruments played
bass
double
Associated Acts
Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Burrell, Red Garland, Lee Morgan, Sonny Clark, Benny Golson, Milt Jackson, Wynton Kelly, Hank Mobley, Art Pepper, Sonny Rollins, Kai Winding, Bud Powell, Wes Montgomery, Nat Adderley, Oliver Nelson, Jackie McLean, J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin, Curtis Fuller, Gil Evans, Kenny Dorham, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Philly Joe Jones, Thelonious Monk, Clifford Jordan, Kenny Drew, Freddie Hubbard
Birth Name
Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers Jr.
Genres
Jazz, modal jazz, bebop, hard bop
Labels
Blue Note Records, Prestige Records, Verve Records, Riverside Records
Occupations
Musician, composer
Years Active
1954 1969
Name
Paul Chambers
Nationality
United States of America