The Dennis Chambers Interview

This episode features legendary drummer Dennis Chambers who sounds off about his Polyrhythms, Feel, Drum Tuning, Set Up, Gear and tells some hilarious stories about his fabled career. I even played him one of his own drum solos where he explains how he conceptualizes Metric Modulations and Polyrhythms.
In 1978 (at 18 years old) Dennis joined Parliament/Funkadelic, and stayed with them until 1985. In 1986 he joined the John Scofield band and played on both Blue Matter and Loud Jazz. Since then he has played with most of the major figures in jazz fusion music.
He has recorded and performed with John Scofield, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, Niacin, Mike Stern, CAB, Greg Howe, and many others.
He has toured extensively with Carlos Santana and makes appearances with his band Niacin
You can follow Dennis at www.dennischambers.com
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[@FrankRideausonore]

"There was nothing special about that kit, nothing custom" - yeah, but there was Dennis Chambers playing on it !!

[@ajadrew]

Went through my mind too..:-))

[@simondavies6270]

Another video in the bag interviewing the great Dennis Chambers for posterity. He is awesome. This is a gift to all drummers.

[@monkeyspank6444]

Got to see Dennis Chambers on the Blue Matter tour, INTENSELY MEMORABLE!!!

[@SkyOnosson]

wow.. saw Dennis play with John McLaughlin and Joey DeFrancesco in the 90s, the most incredible cymbal work I've ever seen or heard. what a player!

[@DaveZula]

Rick, this is so great. You never hear such extensive interviews with people like Dennis or Steve Vai. I'm so glad you're doing this.

[@davidharrison5873]

Rick; seeing the joy on your face as you listen to your guests is wonderful to watch in itself :)

[@ornleifs]

This "sounding off" series is Absolutely Brilliant - It's so nice to hear two knowledgeable Musicians talking about Music.

[@xencage]

Örn Leifsson absolutely! One of the best music education series ever. I wish I had something like this 30 years ago!

[@musamusashi]

Finally someone asking the right questions and letting the guest speak without interruptions or interpositions: Rick, your interviews rock!

[@RicardoMarlowFlamenco]

Dennis is best in the world for me. Got to hang with him via a mutual friend at the RTF reunion in Maryland....it was so cool the 3 of us backstage with Lenny, Stanley, Al Di, Chick, and Larry Coryell (opened up for em)....for sure folks in the music world know how bad ass Dennis is

[@-melis-1746]

Went to a concert with Dennis Chambers (Dean Brown, Victor Wooten and Bob Franceschini) last weekend in Oslo. All true legends! Fantastic gig! Great stories you bring here Rick Beato!

[@hjustice1713]

One of the greatest, and a huge inspiration...love ya Dennis

[@timharrington4470]

Dennis Chambers is one of my favorite drummers to listen to. If you see his name on a project you know the music will be amazing. Thank you for this interview. Not only is he a professional drummer but he has some fascinating stories to go along with his experiences in the music industry

[@benfrewin9926]

Love you Rick, and you know exactly who to get on these chats.. Dennis Chambers is truly one of the all-time greats. He really is. 18 yrs old and playing with P Funk?? It's like a 19 yr old Jeff Porcaro playing on tour with Steely Dan. These guys got hired as mere kids for a reason..

[@supreethkurthukoti9851]

I worship Dennis Chambers, thank you so much Rick! More power to you.

[@josephkrokoski5095]

I freakin' loved this 'cast'. Dennis is so humble✌

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Hats off to Dennis Chambers...WOW!!!

[@visog]

Amazed to hear that Dennis gets star-struck too... with all my English guitar heroes: Page, McLaughlin & Howe.

[@smashdalde9713]

Insanely great Jimmy Page story.. enjoyed every second of this interview.

[@DATAfreejazz]

I saw Dennis in the 80s with Scofield in London...jawdroppingly good.. been a favourite ever since....awesome player

[@joehernandez5600]

Best funk drummer ever! Drum solo on "Pass the Peas" on Maceo Parker's Roots& Grooves is one of the best solos I have ever heard.

[@PsytranceGOUGAS]

Fucking brilliant! That solo! I was grinning as much as you.

[@wilfig]

Still air drumming to that Loud Jazz solo, after all these years.

[@batman3578]

Dennis Chambers has some amazing musical history, playing with McLaughlin and meeting Jimmy page and Steve Howe unbelievable story his amazing journey should definitely be documented in video or book or something thank you Rick he's such nice person. Thank you for introducing him to the younger generation hopefully they will listen to some of his wonderful drumming with such amazing bands.

[@nelsono4315]

one of my favorite drummers. his recorded output is legendary

[@1Rockstok]

What a great interview. The best parts besides the records he played on, are when he mentions Chuck Levin’s, Vennemans and Ted’s music stores near D.C. and Baltimore. My house has gear from all these places even today.

[@williamaiken9262]

Saw Moshulu(Jeff Berlin Bass, Oz Noy, guitar, David Sanchez, Keys, Chambers, Drums) in a small Jazz club in Schdy, NY. Most amazing show I've seen in my 40 years of going to concerts. I've never seen a drummer change tempos within a song the way Chambers did. Amazing! He more than held his own between the monster tandem of Berlin & Noy.

[@dangoodman8606]

Awesome interview. Dennis Chambers...'nuff said.

[@ayobamidele]

This is so enjoyable and I'm not even a drummer, but a passion for rhythm and groove is a must for all musicians.

[@ronkopald]

I never heard that John McLaughlin story before. Fantastic.

[@nicktardifbass7]

At this point, I just wish there were more hours in the day to watch your videos, Rick! Each one has something great to walk away with and I'm frankly addicted at this point...

[@joehernandez5600]

Unbelievable guest. So cool. One of the all time greats. Thanks for doing this.

[@robertdore9592]

Dennis Chambers is absolutely right about older drums. For me the very best combinations is older drums and cymbals and new hardware. The Slingerland 60, -70's and Rogers Fullerton shells are beautiful.

[@ed.z.]

What a phenomenal drummer and great human. Dennis Chambers is an icon.

[@tomhazelton3070]

Great interview, Rick. I've seen Dennis play with John McLaughlin several times. He's amazing. The last time I saw him was when he played with Mike Stern at the Regattabar in Cambridge, MA less than a year after his health scare. After the show my buddy and I went to sit at the bar downstairs, Noir. Right before we were about to leave, Dennis walked in and sat right next to me at the bar. He wound up talking with us for about an hour. It was one great story after another. He even told us the Jimmy Page story. The guy was so cool, so friendly, and so interesting. It made for a very memorable night.

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

I just watched this again. @35:44 Dennis talks about a song called "Foolish Fool" with Bernard Purdie on drums. Holy crap he's right - John Bonham's sound is right there in Purdie's kit. Also I had to dig around to find it was Dionne Warwicks little sister "Dee Dee" who sang the song. Give a listen, it's powerful! And if that doesn't move you, listen to Chaka Khan's version - it's killer!

[@rlincey2907]

This is an awesome interview!!!! One of the nicest people on the planet!!!!! D.C. = Legend

[@jigmedorjeyoung]

Rick, I'm so happy you're bringing Dennis Chambers to the masses. I'll never forget seeing him with John Scofield at the Greeley Jazz Festival in Greeley, Colorado. Our university Jazz ensemble competed and on one evening John Scofield played. I was the percussionist and a dear friend was the drummer. I was an eager understudy to my friend and even our professor looked up to his ability. So during the Scofield set, my friend was breaking down to me everything Dennis was doing. He was in awe and would call out the different techniques. It's kind of like what you do on your channel. You bring music appreciation alive. The funny thing was I had a bad ear infection at the time and could barely hear, but it made me forever love Dennis' work and those John Scofield albums are canonical to me. Thank you.

[@jacksonrussellband]

Rick bringing Dennis to the masses…? Lol. This man has 4 decades of recording and touring credits in jazz fusion and pop. We’re here because we celebrate this legend just like you my friend… 🙏🏽

[@josephnorman2699]

I saw Dennis at two clinics back in the nineties in Atlanta........just absolutely breathtaking!! Super nice guy, full of information, one of the best drummers ever! Great interview here!

[@zadvitskyguitarpedalsandam4466]

woah.This is the best episode. Miles story is awesome.

[@georgeroberts7462]

I'm down, great interview, it's a shame there's only 55,000 views, it's a testament to what and who was actually getting recognized by, fake news

[@OZRIC1985]

What a great interview with the awesome Dennis Chambers!!! I got to see him play with John McLaughlin's Free Spirits in the mid 1990s. It was incredible! I learned some stuff from Dennis in this interview that I had never known before. It just blew my mind that Jimmy Page was taught by John McLaughlin and that he played a double neck guitar because of him as well. Thanks for posting this excellent interview with one of my favorite drummers of all time!!!

[@rls356]

Rick this was a real great show today. It's fascinating to hear stories about musicians you have admired all your life.

[@sdgallday2299]

the fact that he mentioned RTF's "Romantic Warrior"(MY personal favorite fusion record) made my entire week!

[@alfredshorterjr4770]

Awesome interview!!

[@NeilRaouf]

Dennis is such an amazing musician and a very chilledout dude! He first came across my mind on John McLaughlin's 'The heart of things - live in paris'-record. I am a guitarist. And back then when I heard that record Dennis' drumming was the forst time ehare i went 'wtf...this drumming is just amazing...'

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Great interview, Dennis mentioned John Scofield, I LOVE Idris Mohammed's drumming on Groove Elation, best tone and feel.

[@mariomolinamusic]

Fantastic Sounding Off Rick, the stories he told were awesome, the technical questions too, the chat between you two were so warm, a real and great pleasure to me to Thank you for doing all these videos!!

[@megasoid]

Another drumming legend, thank you.

[@joemama22]

Best, most interesting interview yet...

[@navajooo22]

One of the best interviews I have ever seen.

[@waltzguy14151]

Seriously the drum sounds on Blue Matter are incredible. That album turned me on to DC

[@doca9357]

tennis shoes in a dryer, what a great analogy to how poly rhythms may sound to someone. Made me recall there was always something cool sounding about that.

[@chrissoares23]

This episode and the whole series is fantastic. Thoughtful, insightful, and laugh out loud at times. So good.Thanks Rick!

[@gillicusbarnetticus]

what a joy to find this incredible discussion, love dennis chambers playing and really appreciate rick devoting the time to these legendary players.

[@perryjohnston3743]

These interviews are so great. Thanks Rick! Keeping it candid and loose like you are is the ticket. Sounding Off is going to be huge! P.S. Thanks for including such an iconic drummer so soon. And thank you Dennis!

[@iDrums1]

well done Rick! I felt like I was part of the conversation, laughing along with you guys.

[@m.a.nathaniel7660]

Thanks for the in-depth interview. DC is my favourite drummer

[@smashdalde9713]

Absolutely fascinating,Rick.This man certainly has some incredible stories, could listen to Dennis for hours.

[@seemycast]

Really enjoyed this interview with Dennis! Some great and funny stories!! Thanks!!

[@Kimos55]

Wow, Another great interview

[@TheStocki13]

This is so awesome! Thank you 🙌🏽 🙏🏽

[@robertwellerfors8731]

amazing interview THANKS Dennis and Rick

[@jamalt1148]

This channel is the best.. Dennis chambers???? Whoa... I remember him and tony rooster jr doing a DVD I watched that thing everyday when I was in high school

[@danielguimaraes8705]

Great interview! Thank you! Dennis is a force of nature. I saw him on the 90s with Stern... all attentions were on him.

[@yogavibe2516]

that was awesome ...great stories 😃

[@jaybreen1010]

I listened to this back to back with the Steve Vai episode on a road trip, and I've got to say this is an amazing series! Having listened to Steve first, I was amazed by the clarity of his perspective on so many things, how he seems to have this great ability to meet the world with acceptance and also a positive outlook - one of the only things we can actually control! By contrast, I did find Dennis to have a bit of an old man's take on the world - negative slant about technology and the internet, negative about the way kids come up learning to play now, saying the music of today being so inferior, etc. etc. It's all where you look and how you look at it. His command of history is also super subjective - i.e. the idea that back in the 60s it was frowned on to sound like anyone else when you were coming up and that everyone back then was so original. That's bull. Tony Williams for one clearly learned and applied a million Max, Philly Joe, Roy Haynes, and Alan Dawson licks (to name a few) in his quest for his own voice. That is the way of the world - nothing happens in a vacuum. Wonderful interview but I found it to confirm what I've always felt about Dennis - exceptionally talented, super proficient and technically gifted, but a little stiff and closed-minded in some ways. Probably why he's not one of my faves. Also, WTF with him not mentioning Bonham in that litany of influences he rattled off?? I know for a fact he's a fan, have heard him say it before. Thanks Rick, great interview.

[@xencage]

This series is amazing, Rick! Thank you, forever!!!

[@KONAMAN100]

What a super interesting interview, I have no need to know any of this stuff but the history, the legacy, the knowledge, the insight, the love of their art a joy to hear. The James Brown story is brilliant, and then the Miles Davis one, too much just incredible. What a biography there should be. I was totally captivated listening to this stuff...

[@devinbuchhorn]

Absolutely love seeing you nerd out on stuff like this, Rick! When you are playing him that clip of his solo, your face is priceless.

[@fernandoroza6061]

Besides beeing a such a great drummer, Mr Chambers is a true gentleman.( And a wise Man). ✌🏻

[@CaseEJoanz]

What a spectacular interview, Rick! Dennis is so good! Make sure sure you get your ears around the album with Scott Henderson and Jeff Berlin. All extremely tasty covers. That version of Footprints is killer! Also, the one with Tony Macalpine or CAB is a real treat. Bunney Brunel rules! Tony is awesome. Three cheers for Nili Brosh!!!! I have all of her stuff. Currently spinning her second release, "Matter of Perception," Marco Minnemann is a man among men. Saw him with the Aristocrats several times. On his birthday, no less, when his mother and sister were in the audience. Highly recommend Nili Brosh, Matter of Perception!!!!!

[@briangoodvibes]

Thanks again another wonderful interview.

[@jemmace2586]

Great interview, I've always loved Dennis chambers style and approach, it's inimitable really. Great video thank you.

[@navasaband]

That Miles story is the absolute BEST!!!! Great stuff.

[@RBC2_]

Another great video !!! Thanks Rick

[@answersquestioned]

Nice interview. Great anecdotes. Well done Rick

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

Wow! How'd I miss this? Mr. Philly shuffle himself. Incomparable!

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

or maybe he called it the "philly sweep," don't recall exactly - heard him tell about it in one of his instructional videos - sweeping back and forth between snare and floor tom!

[@theena]

Please don't ever stop doing these interviews. Incredible content. And I am not even a musician.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Best Dennis interview ever! Never heard the James Brown story. Never heard the Miles story from Dennis, either. But Rick dragged it out of him somehow. Glad he did. Not surprised they both wanted to hire Dennis. Of course they wanted to 😆.

[@spydrmnd]

Great freaking interview, thanks to you both .

[@beatsdddx]

Gr8 interview what a career this Bro has had awesome.

[@timothycreamer8610]

I'm a DC native I remember those stores ✔️

[@BillyDrummondDrums]

Fantastic!!!

[@daunomartinez3257]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@marksadventures3889]

OMG! Every-time I watch one of these it gets better, Dennis Chambers/! The guy's a monster drummer. I began to dig his thing with John McLaughlin but mostly with Carlos Santana ( my pal has one of those sciroco ? kits, they look like horns) - great story about Jimmy Page. He was one of the people i listened to a lot learning drums, - my most up there drummers were, Bonzo, Moon the loon, Papa Jo Jones, Joe Morello - oh wow! Jimmy Cobb, Bernard Perdy - hot work.

[@bills48321]

Thanks for this Rick. Great stories.

[@JoshClarkson]

There's lots to love in this interview but I was particularly struck by his character and integrity in turning down the chance to gig with Miles Davis out of thought for another musician.

[@thiagobrandaoaraujo]

Thank you for this video!

[@francemirbarradeoliveira5298]

Mister Chambers is always fantastic musician in this fragile world!!!!

[@canturgan]

This is the best music channel on the internet. Your contracts are top line musicians. I'm impressed.

[@travelingman9763]

Great interview!

[@playguitar2476]

Love it!

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

Great video, thanks Rick

[@HanDrumsolo]

No way to calculate the effect seeing multiple clinics from Dennis as a 15-16 year old "metalhead" in the early nineties had on me as player and expanding my horizons.

[@woytd6435]

Bernard Purdie would be an amazing guest! I bet he has some stories to tell ;)

[@Joshualbm]

The Miles story is so epic, worth every illuminating second of this great interview. What was his final comment about Tony's triplet intro to Freedom Jazz Dance. The interview goes dark right there. Another hilarious story on the obverse side is where Teo Macero talks about a time when he was impersonating Miles on the phone while talking to a would-be concert promoter. Check that out.

[@andy-b]

Wonderful!

[@AGRM1984]

Brilliant!

[@CameronEarlyMusic]

love the series!

[@habemusfyah]

Miles Davis history was really funny!

[@gulbalagulba23]

this is by far the most hillarious episode .unbelievable! you really enjoy this ,watching rick having so much fun with one of the most briliant drummers firstheard him on wakaria from the brecke r brother.