1 hr 39 min

Dennis Chambers: Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Award Recipient The Music Makers

    • Music Interviews

The story of how Andy met Dennis Chambers started with a  music performance he will never forget! Today, we learn how Dennis Chambers became the legendary drummer he is today. From his earliest memories of copying records, on a toy drum kit, to slinging tracks with the likes of John Scofield and Miles Davis, Dennis has a story to tell about everything and you won't stop listening! Like the music he plays, Dennis shares stories with a rhythm and flow that is music to our ears.  


Though Dennis is a self-taught musician, he states he learned from the best. He was so good, that his drumming appeared on a gospel record when he was just 7.  As a young teen, James Brown was asked him to play in his band. The names just keep coming! 

Dennis has jammed with the likes of P Funk, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clark, and Carlos Santana. Across the decades, across jazz, funk, soul, and rock and roll, Dennis has become a master chameleon of rhythm and style.


Andy had the opportunity to hear Dennis perform at Blues Alley with Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker – and to watch him play was unbelievable! While seeming completely calm and in control of his craft, Dennis can light up a stadium, like he did beginning as a teenager, during his Parliament Funkadelic days.. His experiences and memories could fill a book, but for now, we’ll settle with a podcast episode. Listen to hear all of these stories of music and soul unfold.


Episode Highlights:
Dennis shares how he remains so very calm in the middle of mind-bending performances. With a Motown singer mom, music was in Dennis’ DNA. Dennis first picked up a stick when he was 3 years old, and got his first drum kit when he was 4. We discuss how Dennis got his professional start at a very young age. Finding your sound is a constantly evolving process. Dennis shares all of his early influences and inspirations. Playing with P Funk gave him incredible exposure. Hear some of Dennis’ favorite bass players to work with – he has worked with some of the greats! What’s new on the horizon for Dennis. Connect with Dennis

Dennis’ Website





Here are some of our favorite performances by Dennis:

Dennis plays on David Letterman


Dennis gets FUNKY at Drum Camp


With Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker
 
Dennis is Sponsored by the following companies:

 Pearl     |   Zildjian    |    LP percussion    |   Ddrum electronics    |   Evans Drumheads 

The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. 
 
The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. 

The story of how Andy met Dennis Chambers started with a  music performance he will never forget! Today, we learn how Dennis Chambers became the legendary drummer he is today. From his earliest memories of copying records, on a toy drum kit, to slinging tracks with the likes of John Scofield and Miles Davis, Dennis has a story to tell about everything and you won't stop listening! Like the music he plays, Dennis shares stories with a rhythm and flow that is music to our ears.  


Though Dennis is a self-taught musician, he states he learned from the best. He was so good, that his drumming appeared on a gospel record when he was just 7.  As a young teen, James Brown was asked him to play in his band. The names just keep coming! 

Dennis has jammed with the likes of P Funk, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clark, and Carlos Santana. Across the decades, across jazz, funk, soul, and rock and roll, Dennis has become a master chameleon of rhythm and style.


Andy had the opportunity to hear Dennis perform at Blues Alley with Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker – and to watch him play was unbelievable! While seeming completely calm and in control of his craft, Dennis can light up a stadium, like he did beginning as a teenager, during his Parliament Funkadelic days.. His experiences and memories could fill a book, but for now, we’ll settle with a podcast episode. Listen to hear all of these stories of music and soul unfold.


Episode Highlights:
Dennis shares how he remains so very calm in the middle of mind-bending performances. With a Motown singer mom, music was in Dennis’ DNA. Dennis first picked up a stick when he was 3 years old, and got his first drum kit when he was 4. We discuss how Dennis got his professional start at a very young age. Finding your sound is a constantly evolving process. Dennis shares all of his early influences and inspirations. Playing with P Funk gave him incredible exposure. Hear some of Dennis’ favorite bass players to work with – he has worked with some of the greats! What’s new on the horizon for Dennis. Connect with Dennis

Dennis’ Website





Here are some of our favorite performances by Dennis:

Dennis plays on David Letterman


Dennis gets FUNKY at Drum Camp


With Mike Stern, Tom Kennedy, and Randy Brecker
 
Dennis is Sponsored by the following companies:

 Pearl     |   Zildjian    |    LP percussion    |   Ddrum electronics    |   Evans Drumheads 

The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. 
 
The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. 

1 hr 39 min