Bass on Top is another thoroughly engaging set of straight-ahead, mainstream jazz from
Paul Chambers. The bassist leads a quartet comprised of guitarist
Kenny Burrell, pianist
Hank Jones, and drummer
Art Taylor through a selection of standards, including "Yesterdays," "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and "Dear Old Stockholm," as well as a handful of contemporary jazz numbers and originals. There's a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to the music, both in its tone and in the fact that
Chambers lets
Jones and
Burrell have some time in the spotlight. The result is a warm, entertaining collection of mainstream jazz that nevertheless rewards close listening. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine