Abie Baker

A New York City-based bassist and bandleader, Abie Baker recorded prolifically in the 1950s and early ’60s. That Baker’s recorded work occurred largely behind-the-scenes – even more so than Lem Davis – tends to obscure his name these days. Baker first appears in discographies in the late ’40s, though Ii is suspected his recording career extends at least back to the ’30s. Likely born in the early part of the 20th century, biographical details are meagre, though his work as a bassist over the ensuing decade-and-a-half would include sessions for many of the era’s important R&B-oriented singers and vocal groups: Hadda Brooks, Steve Gibson and the Red Caps, Nappy Brown, Larry Darnell, “Big Mike” Gordon, the Four Fellows, Big Maybelle, Ethel Ennis, the Coasters, LaVern Baker, Ruth Brown, Mickey Baker, Baby Boy Jennings and others. Many of these sessions saw release on Atlantic and Savoy Records, two labels – Atlantic, especially – with impressive discographies of New York City R&B and jazz. Baker, as further indication of his talents, regularly played alongside blue chip session men like Buddy Lucas, Sticks Evans, Al Sears, Bert Keyes and King Curtis.