12 Facts About Paul Chambers

Paul Chambers began playing music with several of his schoolmates on the baritone horn.

Paul Chambers did some classical playing himself, with a rehearsal group called the Detroit String Band.

Paul Chambers studied at Cass Technical High School intermittently from 1952 to 1955, and played in Cass' symphony, and in various other student groups, in one of which he played baritone saxophone.

Paul Chambers was about 15 years old when he started to listen to Charlie Parker and Bud Powell, his first jazz influences.

Paul Chambers stayed with the group until 1963, and he appeared on many classic albums, including Kind of Blue.

One of Paul Chambers' most noted performances was on that album's first track, "So What", which opens with a brief duet featuring Paul Chambers and pianist Bill Evans.

From 1963 until 1968, Paul Chambers played with Wynton Kelly's trio.

Paul Chambers freelanced frequently as a sideman for many others throughout his career.

Paul Chambers was hospitalized at the end of 1968 with what was thought to be a severe case of influenza, but tests revealed that he had tuberculosis.

From his role in the Davis band, Paul Chambers was the bassist in two rhythm sections.

Paul Chambers was in great demand as a session musician, and played on numerous albums during the period he was active including such landmarks as Thelonious Monk's Brilliant Corners, Coltrane's Giant Steps, and Oliver Nelson's The Blues and the Abstract Truth.

Tommy Flanagan wrote "Big Paul Chambers", which was performed on the Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane Prestige 1958 LP.