Bass On Top (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) (1957)

"In July of 1957, when Paul Chambers recorded this third and final Blue Note release as a leader, he was already in his 3ed year with the most influential jazz group of the time, the first great Miles Davis Quintet. Chambers was 22 years old and firmly established as one of the top bass players in jazz. It's a remarkably mature musical statement for anyone, let alone someone so young. The bass is the dominant instrument, playing the melodies and taking most of the solos. And Chambers, whether playing with a bow or pizzicato, soloing or accompanying the others, is brilliant. The absence of any horns lends the session an almost chamber jazz feel, as does the presence of masterful guitarist Burrell and the most sophisticated and eloquent of jazz pianists, Hank Jones. Drummer is Art Taylor, who had temporarily replaced Philly Joe Jones in Davis' group at the time. This is quiet, thoughtful, and intelligent music played at a tremendously high level by all the musicians." (Joel Roberts, All Aabout Jazz)