Doug Watkins, a bassist who was in high demand for recording sessions, especially when Paul Chambers, his cousin, died, was not only a great soloist, but also a fantastic accompanist. Watkins arrived in New York in 1954 after gaining valuable experience in Detroit as a jazzman. He also played with Barry Harris Trio (1953), and touring with James Moody (1953). From 1955-1956, he was part of the Jazz Messengers original group. He then spent a year with Horace Silver Quintet and freelanced with a wide range of hard bop artists, including Sonny Rollins and Jackie McLean, Donald Byrd and Gene Ammons. Charles Mingus chose him to play bass in 1961’s group, while Mingus was temporarily concentrating on piano. Tragically, his 27th birthday was ended by a car accident. Doug Watkins was a leader in a session for Transition (1960) as well as New Jazz (1960), and played some cello on the latter. Allmusic
