2 Birthdays Today! Charles Mingus & Paul Chambers

Two reasons to celebrate today April 22!

First, in 1922, bassist and band leader Charles Mingus was born. He went on to be one of the greatest jazzmen ever.

Here's a classic track off his essential album "Mingus Am Um" (1959):






And second, in 1935, master session bassist Paul Chambers was born. He is perhaps best known for performing in Miles Davis' quintet (and later sextet) including best selling jazz album ever "Kind of Blue" as well as recording with John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and dozens of others including solo albums.

with Miles Davis

Here's a select track where Chambers is the bassist, one of the most difficult/complex jazz songs, Coltrane's "Giant Steps":