Whether with Miles Davis during 1955-63, a member of the Wynton Kelly Trio (1963-66), or as a sideman on famous sessions with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers was the definitive bassist of his time. He had a huge and recognizable tone, always swung, had the knack for playing the perfect note in the perfect spot, and was a distinctive soloist with his bow.

Paul Chambers led relatively few albums during his life but his Quintet ranks with the very best recordings of 1957. Recorded during one special day, the set teams Chambers with top young all-stars, each of whom are inspired by each other's presence. Trumpeter Donald Byrd and tenor-saxophonist Clifford Jordan blend together beautifully, Chambers interacts with a unique rhythm section also featuring pianist Tommy Flanagan and drummer Elvin Jones, and their repertoire mixes together fresh versions of standards with a pair of superior Chambers originals and two songs by Benny Golson.

Byrd and Jordan in particular come into their own during this underrated gem, with Paul Chambers inspiring the youngsters with every note he takes. The results are magical and so timeless that one can almost smell the player's sweat.

Like all Music Matters Jazz releases, this audiophile vinyl reissue is mastered from the original analog tape and pressed on 180g virgin vinyl at RTI in Camarillo, CA. The highest quality gatefold cover features original session photography on the inside.

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