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Label: "47 WEST 63rd NYC" No R under E in NOTE. Deep Groove on both sides.
Matrix: "RVG" machine stamp on both sides. Plastylite "P"/"ear" mark on both sides.
Title: Bass On Top
Label: Blue Note BLP 1569
Release: US 1957
Format: Vinyl Record 12" LP
Genre: Jazz Hard Bop
Additional photos and videos available upon request.
Unlike many bass-led records, “Bass On Top” emphasizes Chambers’ melodic sensibility as much as his rhythmic authority. The program includes standards like “Yesterdays,” “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,” and “Dear Old Stockholm,” allowing him to showcase lyrical arco passages and elegant pizzicato phrasing. Pianist Hank Jones, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and drummer Art Taylor provide a sensitive and swinging backdrop, creating a chamber-like intimacy that highlights the leader’s instrument.
One bit of trivia: “Bass On Top” was engineered by Rudy Van Gelder at his Hackensack studio, capturing the natural woodiness of Chambers’ bass with remarkable clarity—many bassists still cite this album as a benchmark for recorded sound. Another is that Chambers was famous for practicing arco for hours daily, and his bowed solos on this album stand as rare documentation of his devotion. Collectors often point out that original Blue Note pressings (with 47 West 63rd labels, deep groove, and RVG stamp) are highly coveted and can command several thousand dollars in top condition.
Worldwide: $25 / $5 each additional
Canada: $20 / $5 each additional
Ships within 1 business day of cleared payment
Records shipped outside jacket in secure packaging to prevent seam splits
Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Thank you for your order.
Bebop Records
$1,824.34
Record Grading: VG+
Strong VG+: Clean and glossy vinyl, faint scratches only. Plays great.Label: "47 WEST 63rd NYC" No R under E in NOTE. Deep Groove on both sides.
Matrix: "RVG" machine stamp on both sides. Plastylite "P"/"ear" mark on both sides.
Sleeve Grading: VG+
Clean sleeve. Light general age wear with minor scuffs and mild staining.Record Details
"47 WEST 63rd NYC" RVG EAR DG MONO No RAlbum Details
Artist: Paul Chambers QuartetTitle: Bass On Top
Label: Blue Note BLP 1569
Release: US 1957
Format: Vinyl Record 12" LP
Genre: Jazz Hard Bop
Additional photos and videos available upon request.
Album Description
“Bass On Top,” recorded in July 1957 for Blue Note (BN 1569), is one of the defining albums in Paul Chambers’ too-short career. At just 22 years old, Chambers was already a central figure in modern jazz, serving as the anchor in the Miles Davis Quintet alongside John Coltrane, Red Garland, and Philly Joe Jones. Here, he steps out of the sideman role to place the bass in the spotlight—something still rare at the time.Unlike many bass-led records, “Bass On Top” emphasizes Chambers’ melodic sensibility as much as his rhythmic authority. The program includes standards like “Yesterdays,” “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,” and “Dear Old Stockholm,” allowing him to showcase lyrical arco passages and elegant pizzicato phrasing. Pianist Hank Jones, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and drummer Art Taylor provide a sensitive and swinging backdrop, creating a chamber-like intimacy that highlights the leader’s instrument.
One bit of trivia: “Bass On Top” was engineered by Rudy Van Gelder at his Hackensack studio, capturing the natural woodiness of Chambers’ bass with remarkable clarity—many bassists still cite this album as a benchmark for recorded sound. Another is that Chambers was famous for practicing arco for hours daily, and his bowed solos on this album stand as rare documentation of his devotion. Collectors often point out that original Blue Note pressings (with 47 West 63rd labels, deep groove, and RVG stamp) are highly coveted and can command several thousand dollars in top condition.
Grading Scale: NM / VG+ / VG / G+ / G
Shipping
United States: $5 / $0 each additionalWorldwide: $25 / $5 each additional
Canada: $20 / $5 each additional
Ships within 1 business day of cleared payment
Records shipped outside jacket in secure packaging to prevent seam splits
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Thank you for your order.
Bebop Records