Charles Bell

He wasn't an innovator, star or major figure, but pianist Charles Bell made some solid records in the early and mid-'60s. Influenced by the then emerging soul-jazz and funky schools, Bell's playing was vibrant, often exciting and full of blues licks, gospel phrases and inflections, plus some bop tinges. He called his first combo a contemporary jazz quartet, and their menu included vamp numbers, standards and originals. His trio albums were more dense, and emphasized his harmonic abilities. ~ Ron Wynn