Dennis Chambers w/ Tower of Power What Is Hip?

By poplular request and with permission from Dennis Chambers and Tower of Power. Dennis subbed for his very good friend David Garibaldi. Drumstories was there to catch all of the action.

[@jutahbagels5805]

Chambers is my favorite drummer of all time, and Garibaldi has a feel like no one else. Love 'em both!!

[@radioman312]

I'm a big Garibaldi fan and like to think of him as the king of the linear funk groove. Dennis certainly has a different technique than David. He lays down a heavier groove. There is less finesse in Chambers' playing but a heavier groove -- especially to me in the James Brown bit they do. That said, there are very few drummers on the planet that could do this well sitting in for Garibaldi and damned if Chambers isn't at the top of the list.

[@Frisbieinstein]

Dennis seldom plays like that. I don't know what got into him on this day.

[@reggie44]

They're both great! Dave = like a tap dancer, skipping around, going up, down, over and around the beat, and always landing on his feet. Dennis = more deeply rooted, earthy; just as many tricks but full of "if you act up in church I'll backhand you into the back wall" soul.

[@walterrobinson1651]

AMEN to that!!

[@nickpruett8022]

I like Mr. Chambers take on this song, the bass players body language is all I need to know.

[@mccay56]

I'm a skinny white boy from Cali. And when I hear Dennis Chambers I get this huge smile on my face and remember why I fell in love with the drums. Thank you Mr. Chambers, I call you Uncle.

[@rugbystore9507]

What you're not getting from this is how solid Dennis Chambers is. You can't appreciate it from the back you need to hear it out front. He's an implosive player and has a dead balls groove. One of the best. Just saw him with Santana. DG is one of my favorites of all time and you can't compare these two. Its apples and oranges.

[@walterrobinson1651]

True Dat!

[@ronHpyrotech]

Both Dave Garibaldi and Dennis Chambers are that world class type of drummer. I've seen Garibaldi twice, so effortless and smooth, he makes it look easy.

[@La_sagne]

absolute legend and he once again proved why hes considered a legend

[@tjack72052]

Dennis has been playing since the age of 3. Grew up playing for the Motown greats. The rest is history.

[@Oneness100]

The last time I checked, Dennis grew up in Baltimore, not Detroit, which is where Motown was. Also, there's a group called the Funk Brothers that was the musicians on a vast majority of the Motown hits. I know he grew up listening to Motown and other early funk music, but playing on those early albums? I don't think he was on any Motown. He was with Sugar Hill Label, and then got the gig with Parliament/Funkadelic, and then from then he went to play with others like Scofield, etc. etc. etc. etc.

[@eriksmits2052]

For a drummer to play these funky beats and to have Rocco next to you... Nothing like it. It will groove you outta your socks 👌

[@ChristianSchonbergerMusic]

It's hard to substitute for David Gaibaldi. It is even harder to to play all those fills and accents in perfect timing while remaining "killer groove in the pocket". Dennis Chambers does it! I love his playing. Sure he doesn't sound like Garibaldi, he sounds like Dennis Chambers. That's the whole idea :-) Awesome job!

[@jonp4846]

Christian Schonberger And he doesn't come in going "I'm better than this." He comes in knowing the groove of the tune, respecting it, and just TCB. He adds his own stamp to it, but always respecting it for the original tune that it is. This is an example of a someone who, quite simply, just GETS IT. World class player, world class person!

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Yep, you got that fucker right!

[@jimbaker6442]

@@jonp4846 I totally agree. He doesn't try to play like David Garibaldi but as you say he puts his own unique stamp on it. He's always in the pocket with that Groove and then putting in some linear playing but always going back to the beat... never never losing it. DC is awesome.

[@davelester3357]

Christian Schonberger can play this note for note at 53....😎

[@nicolasderuiter1699]

Saw this video years ago and decided to revisit -- BOOM, what a groove. I love hearing Tower of Power with Dennis' monster pocket

[@patricktiglao]

Dont forget one thing folks. Garibaldi hired Dennis to cover for him. There is tons of love between the two of them.

[@Oneness100]

I don't if Garibaldi actually did the hiring. he probably gave his approval, but Emilio runs the show. Remember, there were extended periods where David wasn't playing with ToP. Dennis and the band are definitely on good speaking terms, so why the F not hire Dennis.. He's definitely a big enough name in the industry, he can do a sub gig. They all probably had a lot of fun. Of course he's not going to sound like Garibaldi, they both have completely different playing styles/technique.

[@sethballou8331]

Good comment you' educated me.. I know Dennis Chambers but didn't know that. 👍🎶

[@sethballou8331]

@@Oneness100 why should anyone ' sound ' like anyone else every one borrows but in end it's interpretation. 👍🎶

[@Oneness100]

@@sethballou8331 I never said he should. I think you need to reply to someone else's comment instead of mine.

[@sethballou8331]

@@Oneness100 I think somewhere communication is crossed.. I think All I did was agree that both have mutual respect. ??

[@lowfreqguy2007]

For those of you who are unhappy with Dennis playing for David on this set, I'm sure ToP could have gotten just about anyone to sit in that chair. They chose Dennis. He's a fine choice. To the detractors: I invite you to get ahold of Emilio, and sit in for a few sets with this band. Then maybe you'll have something to back up your words.

[@robertdowler8105]

Mr.Chambers was with Santana and is strictly Pro.

[@Mhill9378823]

Dennis and David are to bad ass Drummers

[@funklover24]

Dennis is Dennis. One of the best drummers of the world.

[@pearlguy6351]

Man not many drummers can sit in for David but Mr chambers sure can excellent master at funk both of them legends

[@DMBCJ21]

why soooo much disrespectful comments about Dennis!!! Please while we all are watching this video, who got hired for the gig (JOB)...Very few ppl get called on this Tower Of Power Gig.... Jesus Christ go sit down with all the hating plz!!!!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

So typical of drummers to hate on someone filling in. Look the horn section or Rocco or all of ToP wouldn't be dancing around if Dennis wasn't grooving. It's clear they felt what Dennis was sharing with them and that's all that matters.

[@teachingfeller]

I read your comment first and was watching for that moment. When it happened, I literally yelled "WHAT!?!" (which probably woke my roommate in his room across the house). I knew Chambers was one of the best, but those doubles on the kick floored me!

[@larrywilliams3347]

I remember when Dennis played with P-Funk back in the mid to late 70's. He did like a 5-10 min. solo it was incredible. He is a "drummer's"drummer. Another is "Robin Russell" of the 70's group The New Birth!

[@billyhw]

TOP changes casts from time to time for their live gigs. TOP is a big group, and sometimes some members need to take leave (sick leave, family leave, visa issues, etc., just like working in a company). When that happens TOP needs to find substitutes. As the description suggests, Dennis subbed in for David for this show. They may need to fly Dennis in in a hurry, maybe one rehearsal, then straight to the stage. Please go easy on Dennis on his ability to play like Dave; what you are seeing here is just business. Don't underestimate the difficulty managing a large group that plays over 200 shows a year worldwide.

[@robertdowler8583]

Mick Mestek & Russ McKinnon were something else,too.

[@markcook8543]

I like Dennis' take on this. Great job!

[@Dunkaroos248]

That man is beast on drums, certainly an inspiration to people like carter beauford...this is amazing

[@ericpreusser8450]

Definitely a chambers tempo. He put it where he wanted it.

[@garyllyons]

I would shit myself if I git to a TOP show and this happened! Love Dennis and David!! Both are monsters!

[@Yamah12a]

Jesus people going on about Dennis isn't grooving like Dave.. Guys and Girls.. He got the gig, not you.. So stfu! Man he is grooving in this imo.. the main groove in the verses is a really nice contrast to what is usually being played! Serious playing!

[@fordtruck4512]

God bless,Dennis!!!

[@Grayham4]

And Rocco is clearly grooving so who are we to talk lol

[@denistunguz]

Tasty drumming! What a beast! World class!

[@Theworkingclassdrummer]

Dennis is one of the best you'll ever see....#Strong

[@holeesheet2021]

I refuse to get into whether or not Dennis sounds like Dave.... etc, etc --- NFW. Dennis is amazing. So is Dave. There's room in this kind of music for different types of sounds. Chambers is FUNKY AS FUCK. Deal with it. --- Now STFU, and go back, listen to how effing disciplined this dude is. Consider how, in drumming, less is so often ** more ** , then notice how Dennis doesn't play over top of the TOP, you know? Perfect drum sub. Amazing drummer, just enjoy it people.

[@holeesheet2021]

I think I was high when I made this comment. LOL. Chambers is awesome! Check him out with the Branford Marsallis Trio. Killer chops.

[@nilblasco9142]

So much anger but so much truth 😂 thank you

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

Dennis getting what the gig calls for done exactly as it's needed.

[@sethballou8331]

Good answer most all skilled excellent musicians have nothing but respect for one another. We play together, not separately...

[@grouchomagic]

Ya see kiddies, Buddy is dead, however, guys like Dennis take over. I have been a drummer for 65 years, and this guy plays great. It's NOT JUST Speed that makes one great. What I like about Dennis is he is not overwhelming when the other guys play solos. Not only does he have taste but control. I've always liked his playing. he is always in control and thats that. Great going Dennis!

[@Tomatohater64]

That's quite the astute observation based on a lot of experience. One of the greatest jazz guitarists plays a nicely muted manner just like this: Pat Martino. A titan if there ever was one yet mellow as a pancake.

[@robertdowler8583]

He sure did well with Santana,plus I've seen his instructional videos.

[@TommyGadd]

May not be Dave but talk about time and sharp hits and fills. Dennis can play anything, Unreal feel.

[@thenel2162]

some seriously stupid comments here. That being said what i loved about the studio recording on this tune is the multi layering effect that dg brings to funk. Something that was truly his own. I dont think thats dennis thing. Dennis is a more deep in the pocket backbeat player. I dont think anyone in the world can play this like dg.

[@walterrobinson1651]

You are right on ALL points

[@sonyadrake9394]

Excellence at it's Finest!! Dennis is Killing it!! Not missing a Beat! Real Musicians! Yeah Baby!!

[@backbeatben]

i love hearing the two different ways Garibaldi and Chambers play this. Very inspiring

[@teachingfeller]

Dennis + Rocco = Too much groove to handle in one sitting!

[@cantoragospel9538]

Dennis, Vinnie and Weckl was the best drummers of their generation Period

[@kcorpora1]

Weckl has no pocket like this. David would never consider Weckl for this gig!

[@kcorpora1]

@@russellupsumgrub9633 his snare work lol, ok!

[@kcorpora1]

@@russellupsumgrub9633 they only thing that makes him different is he plays more drums and cymbals for a different sound. Gadd, Chambers, Vinnie, Omar, Steve Smith, plays traditinal sets and can play with artist that the Weckl sound don't fit. Weckl is one of the best. By far not the best. He has no pocket or funk. He is a busy player from Buddy Rich. If he played a gig with the aforementioned drummers kit, he would sound horrible. Because the Weckl sound is created by the drums not him. If he set behind Cobham set, you would not know that was Weckl.

[@kcorpora1]

@@russellupsumgrub9633 chad smith lmao...stop it

[@kcorpora1]

@@russellupsumgrub9633 pick someone better than Chad Smith...You know the drummers I mentioned...Stop it. When someone says Weckl is the best, yes I speak out against because he is one of the best. But he has no pocket, no funk feel...Could you see he trying to play Squib Cakes...Heard him trying to play Superstition by Stevie Wonder in a group...Sounded horrible...Sounded Weckl, no pocket, no feel. Gadd, Chambers, Vinnie, Omar, Steve Smith eats that up alive.

[@tgirard123]

Dennis is such a phenomenal player, this particular tune really doesn't show what he's capable of. Go search KZbin for the brecker Brothers skunk funk and see Dennis really playing

[@BillMoorehouse]

True

[@shapshooter7769]

Strictly professional. Shows that Dennis can lay down the groove without getting in the way. Pretty slick if you ask me, he don't need to play the licks from the Buddy Rich memorial gig.

[@BillMoorehouse]

@@shapshooter7769 good point, it's a big group with a lot of moving parts, so keeping it simple is a pro move. Dennis Chambers is the man.

[@johnz4412]

Dave and Dennis are both amazing in-the-pocket drummers. It doesn't get any better!

[@106salem]

Another great drummer that should be at the top of the list is Lee Finkelstein, who filled in for David about 6 years ago. for a couple of weeks, when David was away from the band. He is also and incredible drummer and friend. He also plays a little heavier than David but drives the message across!

[@helsinki4]

Dennis Chambers > Metronome

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Yep, just about describes it too.

[@jorgedeltiempo]

Grooooove

[@harrisongdavis]

a metronome don't got pocket

[@Residentombraider1000]

@@harrisongdavis He's a metronome with pockets .

[@NowWhatRTheyUp2]

He played a gigantic groove and burnt it down to the capitol T !!

[@sethballou8331]

😃👍just finished listening to Soul with a capital S! 👍👍❤😃

[@sethballou8331]

Sorry misspelling! 😂🎶

[@salchaos]

Dennis Chambers is so damn cool.

[@garyconner6151]

Legends.pray for our mentors and influencers.they encourage us.keep jamming drummer's.

[@mrbeaucastel]

Well, both are great musicians Period.

[@wblighting]

Dennis is one substitute I'd look forward to see sit in!

[@peevee605]

Chambers plays a righteous groove.

[@TheXrythmicXtongue]

DENNIS IS HIP

[@robertdowler8105]

The Hip Replacement.

[@MrFunkyone11]

love it

[@nicolasderuiter1699]

I can just hear ToP saying, "Dennis, we got you - we want you. Just play it however you want." This is awesome

[@josephmizzi9895]

Steely Dan has used Dennis ,so you know he is great

[@63Baggies]

NO DOUBT there at all.

[@JoEsp]

Yeah.. thAt SD record Alive in America is epic. Too bad there’s little to no video clips of that tour. There’s one w/ Peter Erskine I saw here in yt.

[@pedroalbertogomez5558]

Watching Dennis Chambers grooving makes me happy

[@331paradiddle]

Dennis is one bad dude.

[@genewilliams617]

I had not realized it until I heard Dennis strike the snare, but David G has a really distinctive snare attack. Since I have been listening to David for the past hour, I was more keenly aware of that. Not saying that to take away from Dennis. He is an excellent drummer.

[@danieltrochei4544]

That right hand on the hats is playing shuffles straight 16ths and all sorts of oddities, so awesome

[@BeansMaskSheen]

this is definitely cool if you just want to hear dennis mostly isolated from the band. Dennis is always amazing. I'm psyched I've gotten to witness him live multiple times in multiple projects: Pfunk, Steely Dan, Santana, Mclaughlin to name just a few. bummed i missed him with victor wooten recently.

[@5150Reaper]

Every drummer should know when you fill in you’re gonna put your spin on it.

[@mamalapornga]

Dennis is the man! Pocket

[@Ddrumma24]

POCKET AT ITS FINEST OMG

[@garyconner6151]

So comfortable.just hanging out with your friends.wow.magic.

[@TrueBlueYou]

Dreadhead Drumma Def!!

[@robertdowler8583]

I'd say Mr.Chambers is a Fatback style drummer.

[@Bolewsky]

When you see that bassist is moving like rocco does in this clip you (drummer) know that you are in :)

[@jamdabeat]

Denis is killing that groove laying it down! An to the person who said that denis is to hard on this song.....you don't know much about sound it clear an plain that who is ever taping this they are not in the main mix, an they are getting this from a camera with a mic from the side an the loudest thing is the drums! Dennis an david by far are my favorite drummers! They are my funk hero's! !!

[@jimbaker6442]

Absolutely. One of the many things I love about Dennis's playing is that he listens to the band. I love it how he's right there accenting with the brass section every time and then goes right back to his Groove.

[@Jrkk2493]

.....Freaking awesome.

[@fess04]

world class groove!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@manualmartinez5293]

Dennis did real well he plays good with Santana now he played with Tyler power Garibaldi God bless you

[@operationremodel]

Never realized how insanely low he has his hats

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I love how isolated the drumming track is ...

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

To the 7 dislikes...."Go play on the Nimitz freeway".

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

HAHAHAHAHA .............

[@rianrobinson3832]

LOLOLOL

[@drummergrate7204]

great job

[@thewutitizband]

Dennis was born to play along with Dave and many others,what else can you say.

[@drumstudio2000]

@drummer510 man...you have to got some balls to say that dennis chambers isnt grooving when he is playing funk for about 3minutes of music....

[@clettisklump]

Ok here is my take on this, David was the backbeat of the groove so with that being said he was the FOUNDATION. I WAS THOUGHTS. Folk bitching and moaning about Dennis, why who knows. Let's do the math, you are one of the baddest kats in the land, played with everyone and nasty than an old batch of collard greens. You phone rings and it is Emilio, " Hey brother, David is down for a moment I know your busy but we would love for you to come on in and lock it down If you can". Dennis "Man are you shitting me im there, see you in a few". I see the show, if you were not there you missed a treat. Dennis did Dennis, killed the pocket and when the moment hit, DID DENNIS. Made me go home and rethink my Hit the next night of how strong the pocket is supposed to be.

[@DeeDubDrum]

Sits much stronger during Soul Power. Still, who are we to question the great Dennis Chambers! A master at work, best dep you could ever wish for surely?

[@matiasquinoneros2569]

Rocco Prestia at his left...AWESOME!

[@Vanzgardian1]

Dennis is a MONSTER.

[@big26inch]

Super solid rig, not one drum moves an inch.

[@thomascolato222]

Listen to the tempo when DC begins the groove for a few bars. Now fast forward all the way to the and tell me what you hear? That's all I'm saying.

[@g.t.werber4476]

Dennis the Great

[@javierbuenastardes9726]

Non egocentric drummers are pure gold

[@jamestrerotola5627]

the recording mostly captures the drums and bass.He is NOT playing too hard... Get well Dennis!

[@demecquenemmarc5353]

good filming thanks !

[@TheKnowspicker]

love the break @ 6:10

[@grouchomagic]

First of all, he's a great guy, and from my neighborhood. Second, he wears the trucki'n hat constantly, because he always drives the band. Great drummer.

[@vincenzoamodei2759]

2:15 most violent fill of the history

[@THEFARSEER2]

Thanks for uploading.. absaolutely love chambers!

[@drumsenjoyment]

Anybody else notice the in-ears extension dancing along with him? It's like watching the groove itself

[@IMCcanTWEESTED]

Now that David is getting off the bus, it will now be a matter of which drummer can match not just Garibaldi's Oakland Stroke, but also deal with the grueling tour and rehearsal schedule.

[@Yamah12a]

Wtf are you on didnt you see rocco, mike and mark grooving during the solo's. He added a different beat to the song which totally worked. But of course you know best. Lmao

[@jedanduncan5624]

Herman Matthews can definitely lay it down too.

[@AW99017]

@TheJazzdr sound is from onstage mix, and lets not forget the purpose of the drummer is to keep time so being heard is a little important for the musicians. crowd mix is no doubt more blended.

[@Fededrum71]

Quanta roba!! Groove a manetta, unico e inimitabile

[@alencore]

Garibaldi is the perfect drummer for TOP but he is geting old for it and letting a younger power drummer play funky is just awesome.

[@robertdowler8583]

He's still a young man.

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

@@robertdowler8583 Today Garibaldi is 79 years old. At the time of your comment, he was already too old, 76.

[@thenel2162]

add the end of the day its about playing the music right when u get called for a gig.You arent there to be someone else.

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

With Dennis, this song makes sense, without the tempo swaying all over the place. God damn, that one live version with Garibaldi was torture to watch, because he could not hold the tempo down at all. Dennis Chambers is a bit like a bricklayer with his version here, but at least he anchors the groove, like he is supposed to.

[@wisconimike7590]

@drumstories do you have this whole show?!?

[@martinrockport2485]

Heh! 2:13. Best fill ever. Taa'da, da, da, da... BOOF!

[@horowizard]

This has to be one of those videos that only drummers dig. The fact that the band sounds so far off in the distance made this almost excruciating to sit through.

[@HiFisch94]

It's great to hear exactly what he plays. But you are right, like this the song itself loses a lot

[@michaelfadian]

Well, there's only one camera and it's pointed at the drummer. So yeah, it's mostly for drummers.

[@StraightNoChaser86]

@@michaelfadian people just like to complain, don't they?

[@StraightNoChaser86]

Yes, drummers like to hear what he's playing.

[@saxophonist56]

dennis f'ing chambers rules

[@Daddytang67]

killed it!

[@benaberry]

I learnt that bass drum triplet form "in the pocket"......

[@unclerho8388]

Dennis Chambers!!!!!!

[@rembeadgc]

DC on the job, workin it!