Dennis Chambers

[LiquidSoul546]

Just thought I'd bring out the Funkmaster, because I am goin to go see him tonight with Santana.

[DogBreath]

Your mission: a very detailed review of the show. And think of us poor slobs who have to work on weekends while you are out having fun.

=-)

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Dennis_Chambers.html

[LiquidSoul546]

haha, will do. I think it will be nothing but good stuff.

[Bernhard]

And think of us poor slobs who have to work on weekends while you are out having fun.


Yes!!! ....and don't bash Ringo (had to lengthen up, Dog......)

[DogBreath]

I'm amazed by how perfectly tuned and melodic his toms are in this video, almost like timpani. I started retuning my toms a few days ago and I'm still not satisfied with the sound. Now I have a new goal: if I can't play like Dennis Chambers, at least I can try to tune my toms so sweet.

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/dennischambersstudio.html

[LiquidSoul546]

Wow. What a show, Los Lonley Boys blew me away. Ringo Garza is really solid, i love that. The only thing i wasn't likein, (me just bein a lil' technical), his over-use of the crashes, in took away from his grooves. Overall A performance, and I would gladly see them again.
Now to D.C. The beginning of Santana's set was a lil off for me. Although everyone was on que, the sound at the ampitheatre was a bit off. I couldn't hear the drums from D.C., but could clearly hear the latin percussionist, sorry forgot his name, but it steadily got better until it reached the climax for my experience there. THE DRUM SOLO. Dennis is the man. haha. His single foot technique, and use of the highats was perfect. His timing, perfect, the sound of his drums, PERFECT. He got the crowd movin let me tell you haha.
I'm sorry i cant tell you what song they open'd up with, but they did play a lot of classics, and dennis's performance A+! I loved it, and was really wanting to meet him after the show, but none of my friends wanted to wait and see if they would come out so we left, plus it was late so i didn't get home till bout 2 a.m.
Peace out

ps. Does anyone know if Dennis Chambers puts anything in his bass drum, cause it was booooooooomy. (i couldn't see, seeing as i was looking at his drums from the right side the whole time).
Thanks

[Tyrnox]

I too went to see that show at the Bell center, and it was nothing short of amazing, I too liked the Los Lonely boys, alot of talent in that band.

I hadn't seen much of chamber's before I saw him live that night, but after the show, I was just amazed. Simple as that.

[L1VEW1RE1]

I saw Dennis play a drum clinic near my house, and that man is amazing. He played about a 30minute drum solos, and every was just in awe.

[LiquidSoul546]

I was in awe of his solo at the concert, i also have to give major props to their bass players solo\, and i forgot, him and D.C had a lil' drum bass section, that was pretty groovin.

P.S DogBreath, just lettin you know his drums sounded perfect. it looked like he added stuff too, like a bass drum over his first two floor toms. he used it a lot and it had a coated head, sounded pretty sweet.
Peace

[Big_Drummer]

i dont agree with dog breath i dont like his tom tuning, but i think his a great technical drummer and one of the drummers that more rudiments use in his playing. its a great great drummer and one of my favorites

[Freddie Freeloader]

this guy sort of makes everyone look up and pay attention. and i mean EVERYONE. he's easily one of the best drummers of all time.

[Superlow]

I agree with you Freddie, I saw him with Mike Stern a few years back... Lets just say most of the crowd was not there for Mike Stern. I don't think I picked up the sticks for a good week after seeing him. I was bummed out that I would never be a fraction of a percent as good as Dennis.

[CarterB_Junkie]

Dennis is just a beast, a completely self taught player who doesn't read music and do everything by ear !

I saw him with Santana and his 10 minutes solo spot got the biggest crowd reaction of the evening (more than the Santana radio hits ).

There is only one Dennis !

[Jason Dorn]

Yeah his pocket is really deep such a funky mofo. I really love the way he makes everything he plays seem so effortless. He has inspired me to strive to lay back in the pocket in my playing. Two things that have made there way into my style because of him are that hat bass bass triplet he is the master of that IMO and that fireworks double bass flurry with the syncopated crashes over the top. I just love this guys playing.

[Dr Drums]

and was really wanting to meet him after the show, but none of my friends wanted to wait and see if they would come out so we left, plus it was late so i didn't get home till bout 2 a.m.
Peace out


DUDE! u had a chance 2 meet chambers and u just walked 'cuz of some friend!?
omg. I'd stay there till 5a.m and would've walk home if that's what it takes. :\ whatever
As for chambers. Man he is pure perfection when it comes 2 drumming. He's my fav drummer of all time no doubt about.

[Bonham to the moon]

hes go the fastest hands i think ever, he plays the double bass as it should be, and does an exceptional job at it, and has the some of the greatest grooves ever. Truely a drum god. And the amazing thing is, he was totally and absolutely self taught, by watching drummers in night clubs.

[Anchein Vouivra]

I just saw him once doing a workshop at the Montreux Jazz Festival last year. He did a 25 minute solo, but honestly it didn't really touched me except that he did a five minute sick thing : accelarating with the double pedal and slowing with the snareroll, and vice-versa (kinda John Hiseman trick). But he didn't really play a cool groove, and I lost a bit the rythm feel in his technical solo. I got more kicked watching Calhoun's workshop this year.
But that was only an hour workshop, you can't know everything about a drummer in one hour.

The same night I watched him a while with Santana and his groove was perfect, but couldn't stay long cuz I really don't stand what Santana's doing actually. I could see Chambers solo which was short, and more a show thing than a real solo. He did his double-pedal/snare acceleration/slowdown thing while drinking a bottle of Tequila mixed with orange juice. Fun and impressive, but couldn't see more because Santana's music.

[LiquidSoul546]

DUDE! u had a chance 2 meet chambers and u just walked 'cuz of some friend!?
omg. I'd stay there till 5a.m and would've walk home if that's what it takes. :\ whatever
As for chambers. Man he is pure perfection when it comes 2 drumming. He's my fav drummer of all time no doubt about.

haha, the reason i left is because my friend was my ride home...so i geuss being stranded in milwaukee for the night to MAYBE meet dennis chambers sounds like a deal right now, but then was about midnight and i already saw the greatest drum solo i've ever seen so...
peace

[Dr Drums]

haha, the reason i left is because my friend was my ride home...so i geuss being stranded in milwaukee for the night to MAYBE meet dennis chambers sounds like a deal right now, but then was about midnight and i already saw the greatest drum solo i've ever seen so...
peace

hhh, when u put it that way :)

[Stu_Strib]

No offense to Ringo Garza, but there are a few other drummers here in his hometown of San Angelo, TX that would like to think he wasn't even the 5th best drummer in town when Los Lonely Boys hit it big.

I'm not gonna name names though. One of them rhymes with Moo_Crib. ;-)

LLB are really good though, even if individually they aren't the best. As a group, they really shine and feed off each other.

[Drumolator]

Dennis Chambers is indeed one of the greats. I have many CDs which feature his great playing. Peace.

[Wegadrummer]

there is only one dennis... no more to say.. love his grooves..

[darkcherryfade]

No drummer moves me like Dennis does. His GROOOOOOOOVES, chops, RIDICULOUS limb independence, dynamics, solos. The man has everything. Oh, to hell with it, I might as well just declare him my official favorite.

[drumzalicious]

i like dennis for his grooves, im not too moved by his chops. thats just me though.

[Dr Drums]

Chambers is IT. PERIOD.

[Dennis1465D_5314D.C.]

Dennis Chambers is my everything...He is my man!..Also he is my hero!..I'm huge fan of him..I have 122 audio CDs which have Dennis on drums..(all of them)..I have his DCI instructional videos on VHS format and also DVD formats..And of course,a lot of other VHSs and DVDs which includes Dennis on drums..Like common ground,a salute to buddy rich,buddy rich memorial scholarship concert tape one,the bob berg/mike stern group,funky drummers,blood sweat beers tokyo live(niacin)(A LOT OF!).....He is my INFLUENCE and always INSPIRES me..I love his playing much,much,much more..I like him a lot (more,more,more!) as I can't tell ANYONE...I love his touching to the drumkit..He has unique sound,unbelievable sound,very delicious sound...I love his all the energy,all the plan,all the movement behind the drum setup..Incredible power,technique,timing,control,speed...Fast single stroke rolls,ostinato patterns with his feet,triplet things,cross stickings from the cymballs,killer grooves,unbelivable jazz&funk&fusion grooves,greatest chops and EXTRAORDINARY drum solos...He plays FATAL! & his sound is FATAL!..My opinion is there is no one in the earth that who can play like Dennis or who has a sound like him..He is ONLY ONE and UNIQUE!! I was the first person that who gets in the concert hall when he was with Mike Stern Band in here..I was the most near person to his drum set up in the gig.I went to gig place with all of my archive; all of my audio CDs and all of my videos..That's why I'm a huge fan of him..Thank you very much Dennis Chambers for greatest moments behind the drums...

[Alesi]

Chambers is IT. PERIOD.
you´ve said it!!!... he grooves in that way that i don´t really care about his solos or anything else.. i mean.. with his groove only he would be a kick ass drummer!!!

[samuelsonmosley]

Dennis is a god ,his drumming is incredible but to me the most important thing is to find the right union between tecnique and music

[marco]

hey dogbreath, good luck for the tom tuning.... I've tried to get that sweet tone i don't know how many times and it is just impossible until you are miked...because effects can make all the difference ;)

Dennis is one of my idol ...he's just incredible... I saw him with mike stern 2 years ago and the show was just totally amazing... it is at that moment that i've decided to split my practice time in two equal parts ( half drum half guitar ).......... no regrets....n.e.way guitar help me for drum and drum for guitar

[Bad Drummer]

My drum teacher said that hands down he is the best drummer alive today. Thoughts?

[darkcherryfade]

My drum teacher said that hands down he is the best drummer alive today. Thoughts?


Although I'm not big on these kinds of statements, Dennis is the closest I'd come to making an exception.

[DogBreath]

hey dogbreath, good luck for the tom tuning.... I've tried to get that sweet tone i don't know how many times and it is just impossible until you are miked...because effects can make all the difference ;)
Oh, I know. It's just something to try for when I'm tuning.

[Thinshells]

Oh, I know. It's just something to try for when I'm tuning.

That sound would seem to be pretty easy to achieve with birch or oak. I'd do it with clear g1's on top and glass resos on bottom. The drums would be tight and even. I am not sure what he does on maple to get that sound.

His work with the Buddy Rich memorial concert and his DCI videos is just jaw dropping. He lays down blistering grooves, intricate double kick work fortified with lightning hand speed.

I think his new kit is supposed to be one of those granite finish reference kits, which I look forward to hearing/seeing him play.

http://www.pearldrum.com/reference/granite-srpkl.jpg

[UltimateDrummer55555]

Dennis Chambers. In my opinion the greatest drummer ever. I have seen many of his videos of solos, music, etc. His hands are the fastest i've ever seen. He's my idol. His grooves are awesome to hear. He's got very strong and lightning fast feet. He does one footed rolls on the bass drum with his left foot play on 1234 or not at all to keep time while he does it. He's had so much experience playing jazz, fusion, funk, rock, etc.
I have learned so much from him and hope to be wicked good like him and possible surpass him if possible.

[lfdy]

Dennis Chambers is pure genious...he's definitely one of the best drummers at the moment.

[Zumba_Zumba]

Did anyone check out his video clips on his website? If not, do yourself a favor. His speed is unbelievable. In one part when he goes, "AAAHHHH!" after a funky grouping, I felt this pain.....

[fLaT-fIfTh]

Does anyone know of an email address to contact Dennis? Thanks!

[jonny]

dc35@aol.com is an email address provided in the CAB cd booklets, so I guess it's worth a shot.

On a side note, if any Dennis fans don't have the CAB cds, buy them.

[toteman2]

Damn...DC makes this makes everything look so carefree and easy. He's just so relaxed. What I'd give to be inside his head durring this tune. One of my favorite drumming clips ever.

I'm convinced to be this good, you have to be born with something a little extra. He has such command over time and feel. It's truely amazing. No matter what style you prefer this man will always be known as one of the absolute greats. So much to admire and learn from.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WH-W2KMlYMo&search=dennis%20chambers

[mikejames]

I only have one thing to say to Dennis...

Don't stop!

I've just seen the Mike Stern 2005/Paris videos posted today... Damn! Outstanding work.

[NUTHA JASON]

another great chambers solo for you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KuoAI8uAr4

j

[dawg]

saw him live w/steely dan years ago. he is so relaxed when he plays.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I love his playing. I remember the first time I saw a video of his and I was blown away. Amazing drummer, love the funk.

[Steve M]

Can anyone figure out the groove from this video - the part where he crosses over between the cymbal and the hi hat?? If so can you describe it or transcribe it - is it a repeating pattern of 7's?

http://drummerworld.com/Videos/dennischamberspearl.html

[Stitch Kaboodle]

The beat is based on the Purdie shuffle. It's in 12/8
The main meat of the groove consists of playing hand to hand 8 notes starting on your weaker hand (most cases the left).
If you do this correctly the back beat should be played on your left hand.

Here's the pointers:

Keep your left hand on the HH for every beat EXCEPT the Backbeat (the 7th quaver). Now alternate your right hand between the ride and HH and you will have the guts of this beat.

Remember, this is to be played hand to hand starting on your left.

Paradiddles are great ways to shift the leading hand. Dennis starts the ride groove this way

[Steve M]

thank you so much : ) I'm away to practice......

[Stitch Kaboodle]

The beat is based on the Purdie shuffle. It's in 12/8
The main meat of the groove consists of playing hand to hand 8 notes starting on your weaker hand (most cases the left).
If you do this correctly the back beat should be played on your left hand.

Here's the pointers:

Keep your left hand on the HH for every beat EXCEPT the Backbeat (the 7th quaver). Now alternate your right hand between the ride and HH and you will have the guts of this beat.

Remember, this is to be played hand to hand starting on your left.

Paradiddles are great ways to shift the leading hand. Dennis starts the ride groove this way

I should also say.... Dennis' highhat work is incredible. I mean his HH foot work...

[RAISETOWIN]

I've gone back about two and a half months in the drummers section and I have yet to see anyone post on Dennis Chambers. I personally think he is the sickest drummer out there. I really dont think there is much mainstream knowledge of Dennis but as far as this site goes there should be tons of people aware of this Genius. I use to believe as far as creativity went that Carter Baueford was at the top. Then I ran into to a Dennis Chambers CD while looking for Drummers CDs and figured ahh what the hell I'll see what this dude is all about. I was floored. Not in the sense of the typical "Wow he's fast" or "Wow he has an awesome double kick sound" or anything like that. Just the way he plays. Its so unique and at the same time so impressive in both a technical and Rythmical sense.

His Drummerworld link is below. If you've never heard of him check it out and let me know what you think.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Dennis_Chambers.html

LISTEN TO THIS TO GET A SENSE OF WHAT I MEAN ABOUT HIS UNIQUENESS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/Sound/dennischambersotay.mp3

[aydee]

A side of Dennis some might not have seen..:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcYmb3_ZwSM

( Mclaughlin, Zakir, Dennis)

[Steamer]

Dennis is one scary player and has been for a VERY long time. The thing that kills about this guy and always has since I first saw him play live back in 89 to today is the incredible sense of depth behind what he does seperating him by a country mile IMO from other chops style players. Sure he can technically play things that most other 3 drummers combined couldn't pull off chops wise but it's his sense of intent,purpose,groove and rhythmic concept, polyrhythms and metric modulation and phrasing taken to the extreme that has me chucking ever time I hear live on a video clip or on recordings,he's got the complete package covered. In a jazz group or electric jazz band he will swing a band to their grave or lay down some of the meaness grooves heard in popular music situations well at the same time turn around by playing some pretty advanced musical solos you rarely hear from this style of player. Totally amazing musician and one those rare freaks.

[chipritter]

Totally,
Dennis Chambers is completley AWESOME!

[CaptainWaits]

Saw his clinic when he came to my area. Afterwards, got a picture and a pair of sticks signed, and my friends and I got individual pics and a group pic with him too. Love this guy, he's unreal.

[OldStampK]

Dennis is one scary player and has been for a VERY long time. The thing that kills about this guy and always has since I first saw him play live back in 89 to today is the incredible sense of depth behind what he does seperating him by a country mile IMO from other chops style players. Sure he can technically play things that most other 3 drummers combined couldn't pull off chops wise but it's his sense of intent,purpose,groove and rhythmic concept, polyrhythms and metric modulation and phrasing taken to the extreme that has me chucking ever time I hear live on a video clip or on recordings,he's got the complete package covered. In a jazz group or electric jazz band he will swing a band to their grave or lay down some of the meaness grooves heard in popular music situations well at the same time turn around by playing some pretty advanced musical solos you rarely hear from this style of player. Totally amazing musician and one those rare freaks.

Steamer, no way I could've put it any better than that. I gotta get me some more Dennis Chambers.

[princejay]

He's the man

http://www.john-gates.com/musiclab/meettheartists/chambers/img/dc-evans-pic1.jpg

[Dr_Funky]

Ah, Mr. Chambers, an excellent drummer.

Unfortunately, I find that he has reached his peak in terms of his brilliant technical ability.

[KalashnikoV]

I just saw him with Santana last night. Good God. If you're impressed by the videos, you're floored when you see him live. Seeing him play recorded simply doesn't translate his power behind the set. When he soloed, you could literally feel every note shake through you. I could only dream of playing with his technique, feel, and ability.

Seeing him connect with my all-time favorite guitarist and rock house made the show (which lasted for over a solid three hours) well worth every penny.

[drumbandit]

One of my favourite drummers, just uploaded that video onto my i-pod. His toms sound too good.

Has anyone got any experience with his sig. snare?

Cheers,

Tom

[Tom Sawyer]

King Chambers. Probably my favourite drummer right now.

[aydee]

Ah, Mr. Chambers, an excellent drummer.

Unfortunately, I find that he has reached his peak in terms of his brilliant technical ability.

Yeah, too bad Dennis Chambers is all washed up & peaked out.

... you're a really funny guy, Dr. Funky.

I notice how you are merrily going about finding fault with each drumming icon listed here on Drummerworld.

So far I've read your 'disappointments' and disapprovals of Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr, Steve Gadd, and now Dennis Chambers.

Who are going after next?

I'm curious, do you really mean it, or are you just looking to fan up up some flames on these threads?

[Steamer]

Unfortunately, I find that he has reached his peak in terms of his brilliant technical ability.

Sorry no cigar on that response. He's only just begun to take his concept{s} to even greater heights musically speaking as always proven time and time again everytime I think i've heard it all from this freak of nature on the drums. It's not all about chops it's about seeking higher musical ground which Dennis is long far from finished doing in my opinion.

P.S. I agree with aydee flaming all the great drum masters certainly doesn't sit well with most forum members here.

[Derek]

Ah, Mr. Chambers, an excellent drummer.

Unfortunately, I find that he has reached his peak in terms of his brilliant technical ability.

Are you trying to sound extraordinarily intelligent , as if you have a gift of insight others don't have ? If so you're failing miserably.
Maybe Aydee has it right, you're a kid who likes to fan the flames. ( yes, I have read your comments in regard to Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich and now Dennis Chambers ) .
Either way you ought to knock it off. That isn't what this forum is for.

[Bernhard]

Dr. Funky did it again.....

After bashing Steve Gadd, Ringo i expected he goes on Buddy Rich or John Bonham.

Ok, Dennis Chambers is also a good choice!!

What's next? Don't forget Vinnie!!!!

Bernhard

[TitanSound]

And have you noticed he never responds after the initial bashing...ha! Weak!

If you make statements, at least be prepared to stand by them and explain yourself when a bunch of angry drummers come after you.

[-Nirvana-]

I went to a Dennis Chambers drum clinic in Ottawa it was really amazing!! Also that was my first drum clinic lol!!!

[Spence]

Ah, Mr. Chambers, an excellent drummer.

Unfortunately, I find that he has reached his peak in terms of his brilliant technical ability.

Haha. What a ridiculous comment.

[mlaponsky]

Dennis Chambers i incredible. Just saw him with Santana not too long ago. He had a ridiculous solo where he was essentially doing a winding-down roll exercise on the snare drum until he couldn't get any slower. Except he was playing one of the craziest foot ostinatos I've heard the whole time and eventually he just kept the foot ostinato going while he got some water and wiped his forehead with a towel. Then after a little while he just went wild and finished out the solo. Pretty wild.

[Baddstuff]

I've seen DC with John Scofield, CAB and with Niacin 4 or 5 times and he is an absolute monster. He can be superbly explosive or just work the pocket like nobody's business. Tremendous limb independence. Great technical chops and his rhythms are always killer. I just saw Billy Cobham and as much as I love Billy even he wasn't as explosive as DC. DC seems to have picked up where Billy left off and ran with it. Let's face it, just about anyone can be taught to play drums, but to get to DC's level is something a lot of drummers will never achieve. I've heard DC on many different sessions and he never fails to impress. The man is just out of this world, period!
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