ProJazz.net

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. 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.

Reception.

AllMusic reviewer Michael G. Nastos awarded the album 4 stars and 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”.

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”.

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

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Released: 1961
Recorded: May 12, 1960
Studio: Bell Sound (New York City)
Length: 30:05
Label: Vee-Jay
VJLP 3012
Producer: Sid McCoy