Charles Fambrough

Charles Fambrough (August 25, 1950 – January 1, 2011) was an American jazz bassist, composer and record producer from Philadelphia. Having played together in a previous (cover) band Fambrough joined Grover Washington Jr.'s band in 1970. Some five years later he moved over to Airto Moreira's band. After two years there he hooked up with McCoy Tyner to become anchor of Tyner's band, until 1982. In that year Fambrough joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and played there during the early 1980s. When Wynton Marsalis left the Messengers to form his own band, Fambrough followed him. In the liner notes of album The Proper Angle (CD) Fambrough mentions the lessons he learned from McCoy Tyner and Art Blakey. The latter taught him to play behind a horn player and within a rhythm section. Suffering from kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension, he died in 2011 at the age of 60. With Kei Akagi Mirror Puzzle (1994) With Art Blakey Live at Montreux and Northsea (Timeless, 1980) Art Blakey in Sweden (Amigo, 1981) Album of the Year (Timeless, 1981) Straight Ahead (Concord Jazz, 1981) Killer Joe (Union Jazz, 1981) - with George Kawaguchi Keystone 3 (Concord Jazz, 1982) Oh-By the Way (Timeless, 1982) With Craig Handy Introducing Three for All + One (Arabesque, 1993) With Roy Hargrove Diamond in the Rough (Novus/RCA, 1990) With Wynton Marsalis Fathers and Sons (1982) Wynton Marsalis (Columbia, 1982) With Eric Mintel Impressions of Jazz (Jazz Lions, 1996) With Pharoah Sanders Crescent with Love (Venus, 1992) With McCoy Tyner Focal Point (1976) The Greeting (1978) Horizon (1979) With Roland Kirk Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real (1977) "Jassed.com". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Karl Stark, "Musician Refashions Career As A Producer He Helps Others Record Their Jazz", Philly.com, August 27, 1995. "Charles Fambrough | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved February 18, 2020. "Jazz Messengers Alumni | Art Blakey". Retrieved 13 February 2021. Johnson, David. "Late Art: Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers In The 1980s". Night Lights Classic Jazz - Indiana Public Media. Retrieved 13 February 2021. "Charles Fambrough | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Retrieved 13 February 2021. "Jazz Bassist Charles Fambrough Dies". jazztimes.com. Retrieved 10 September 2025. Mergner, Lee. "Jazz Bassist Charles Fambrough Dies". JazzTimes. "Charles Fambrough - The Proper Angle". discogs.com. Retrieved September 10, 2025. "Charles Fambrough - Keeper of the Spirit". Valley-entertainment.com. Retrieved February 18, 2020. "Kei Akagi - Mirror Puzzle". Valley-entertainment.com. Retrieved February 18, 2020. Charles Fambrough Obituary, Last Moments Obituary at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Additional biographical material at The Philadelphia Inquirer.