Please get better soon. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DC at the Shoreline after a Santana show, and he was so damn cool and inspiring. He was also awesome at Yoshi's in Oakland, talking to a huge crowd of young drummers. Praying for your speedy recovery.
+ShartimusPrime There are some videos of him from 2015. He looks like himself again. I didn't believe this was him at first. So it looks like his health has definitely improved.
Dearest Dennis, my prayers r with u for a miracle of a recovery. Trust God n thank him for restoring u completely. This is my prayer for u and I will claim his healing n restoration of u. God bless u, protect n keep u well n safe always.
These "Drum Off" competitions that turn playing drums into an athletic event should really change the focus from soloing to playing in a musical setting. I think the competition is excellent for young players to get their name out there and meet other drummers but at the same time it is sending the message that playing drums is all about speed, chops, flash, etc. I think that a song should be selected for all contestants to play along to and a solo section can be included. This way, the player would need to prepare to be a more complete musician with more of a focus on feel and musicality rather than on "drum gymnastics".
hihats I think with the right focus they can be a really great thing. Being a musician is about coming together with other musicians to create something together. Its a completely unselfish thing. You tend to breed the opposite by forcing the contestants to only have to consider themselves. Its NOT music. Its more of an athletic event. Like a drumming UFC if you will. When kids win this competition, they are under the impression that they are one of the best drummers around. And that may be so. However, lets not confuse that with being one of the best MUSICIANS around that plays drums. There is a GIANT difference and one that will make a BIG impact on their future in music.
I've often thought the same. Drum-off's are poison to music. So is this technical obsession with metal and Jazz. Makes me want to listen to Gary Husband.
hihats You made me remember something. I recently auditioned for a rock/fusion band that used to have a skilled jazz type drummer, and I was nervous because I'm not really very technically skilled (I'm working on it every day though) and I thought I would make a mess. Funny thing is, after a few further rehearsals they told me they wanted me in the band because they liked how I felt the songs and grooved to them. Apparently, the other drummer was a great shredder and made excellent solos, but was very cold in every other aspect. I still feel like I'm not up to the gig totally, but it makes me happy that 'feel' is still valued, even among us youngsters (20).
I adopted these paradigms about 10 years ago. I used to play for the musicians in the audience. Then I played for the musicians in the band. Now I play for the music. It's great having a pocket full of licks, but it's the cat who can keep those licks in his pocket that transcends "good drumming" to great drumming. Like Dennis says, give the music what it needs.
I have been following your career for years and this has been the best message u have given us musicians who play the music by far keep on stickin and thank you for those "words" of encouragement Mr. Chambers!
THANKS Mr. Chambers! I have always applied the Chambers theory and it blows a lot of peops away that I'm so in tuned with everything that's going on with the music, "one band one sound" God Bless u, u will always be "The GROOVE master to me!"
Hola queridísimo y amado DENNIS!!! DIOS TE DE TODO LO QUE NECESITES PARA MEJORAR PRONTO!! mis ojos nunca vieron tanta destreza en un instrumento como la batería! y espero con todo mi corazón que salgas adelante drums masters!! tu grandeza como músico es tu humildad como hombre!! DIOS TE BENDIGA CON MUCHA SANIDAD!! ANIMO DENNIS!! TODO MEJORARÁ!!
You were the reason I started drumming and to see you doing better warms my heart. Thank you for all that you've done for drumming and what you've done for me and music and whole. You're the greatest and I can't wait to see you back doing what you love to do.. Thank You Dennis.....
a great example of what Dennis is talkin about is the live 2011 Europa video here on youtube. thanks for the lesson Dennis. your fellow drummers salute you!
Dennis Love your comments , you are one of my inspirations in drumming . I have toured and notice the same thing and in the local scene here in Denver as well. I try to teach my younger students its about the groove and the music as a whole.. God bless brother... Dean T Maltese Deansgroove......
so right Dennis: Space defines music! Dennis is known for being the "straightest" drummer of the Jazz scene. He almost played Rock grooves with Jazz musicians. His China is legendary! There is one animated film called I think "The Story of Jazz". This is something I would recommend any musicians to go and see before he goes on a career. A young boy starts to play the trumpet and practises all those runs and then one day hears some LIVE music around the blocks. He decides to look for it and finds a jamm session going on. So he walks onto the stage and plays his runs: The guys ask him to leave and to listen to some music. So he goes back to his room and listens to jazz records and the solos being played there. So he studies that and goes back to the group walks onto the stage and starts to play solos. Again they ask him to leave and tell him to listen to the music. He goes back to his room puts on the records trying to find out what they meant. After a while he starts to feel something and decides to go back to the group. He walks onto the stage and just stands there listening. And step by step starts adding his ideas while continously listening. That' s as far as I can remember this story - maybe 25 years ago I watched it on 3sat a German TV channel. Along with this story there were little jam sessions with German and intl Jazz legends like Charlie Mariano and Danner going on.
You've always been able to mix virtuosity, with humility. The things you play, and say have been an inspiration! And I've always loved that Victor Borge impression at the end of drum solos. That was pretty unique, just like everything else you've done. Fantastic, Courageous, and Musical! Thank you, and please be well
What is important and most wonderful thing in music and art in general is that it gives us more freedom than anything else. Music is a discovery, it's not an invention, all we (people) done is systematized our experience and came with ideas which formed schools known today. And to criticize something you need to measure it first. To measure you need a system. You can make one based on different music terms, such as "groove", "speed", "polyrhythmics", "composition" etc., But how can you come up with a system that measures human emotion and perception? It's well known that what sounds "good" for you, may not even touch other's feelings. Excuse me for my English, not a native speaker.
Dennis has always been one of my favourite drummers and this is a great video to show to any drummer regardless of skill level, but man, he isn't looking so hot these days. Really shows how much his recent illness took it out of him.
Do you know, the older I get the more I sound like an old git. What I've come to realise is that old gits speak a lot of sense. Dennis is neither an old git, or speaks nonsense. All musicians should see this video. Less is more. Play from the heart. Mean every thing you play. Perhaps I'm not an old git.
Hello Dennis you to play with Alvaro Andreu, 18 years old from spain,a very good guitarrist.You have to listen in his you tube channel you write only Alvaro Andreu.The best couple in the music after Mike Stern.
Considering this appeal, I'm interested in what Dennis thinks about Ron Bruner Jr? He's a busy drummer, but I like the guy. Tonnes of feel, if sometimes inappropriate.
Holy shit. Had no clue he was in the ICU in a coma three years ago. Didn't believe it was him with the higher voice. Glad he's ok. We lost Tony way too early. Let's not lose Dennis. But, did he gain all the weight back?
THE PHONE RINGING IN THE BACKGROUND AT 4:25 IS RINGING AT 115 BPM......I think i have a timing infatuation!!! GET WELL SOON DENNIS. I think you just need some time on "THE MOTHERSHIP"
I'm from Baltimore he's been saying this for years to musicians he sees something in. Me included. NOW he's more open with sharing his knowledge. He always says "play the music"
I think if you want to be specifically just a drum clinic player then it's important to have a lot of chops. But if you want to be an in demand session drummer in the city you come from then musicality is very important I think people when they practise they just practice technique and just rudiments
Man, I'm watching him and can't see Dennis Chambers. Totally can not recognize him. He is not even chewing his trademark gum... Hope he'll be fine. And things that he said are to be written in the Drum Bible.
Please get better soon. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DC at the Shoreline after a Santana show, and he was so damn cool and inspiring. He was also awesome at Yoshi's in Oakland, talking to a huge crowd of young drummers. Praying for your speedy recovery.
+ShartimusPrime There are some videos of him from 2015. He looks like himself again. I didn't believe this was him at first. So it looks like his health has definitely improved.
I love you, my man. Thank you for giving us your unique talent for all these years. God be with you.
Dearest Dennis, my prayers r with u for a miracle of a recovery. Trust God n thank him for restoring u completely. This is my prayer for u and I will claim his healing n restoration of u. God bless u, protect n keep u well n safe always.
These "Drum Off" competitions that turn playing drums into an athletic event should really change the focus from soloing to playing in a musical setting. I think the competition is excellent for young players to get their name out there and meet other drummers but at the same time it is sending the message that playing drums is all about speed, chops, flash, etc. I think that a song should be selected for all contestants to play along to and a solo section can be included. This way, the player would need to prepare to be a more complete musician with more of a focus on feel and musicality rather than on "drum gymnastics".
Bill Bruford dissed on those things just before retiring
hihats I think with the right focus they can be a really great thing. Being a musician is about coming together with other musicians to create something together. Its a completely unselfish thing. You tend to breed the opposite by forcing the contestants to only have to consider themselves. Its NOT music. Its more of an athletic event. Like a drumming UFC if you will. When kids win this competition, they are under the impression that they are one of the best drummers around. And that may be so. However, lets not confuse that with being one of the best MUSICIANS around that plays drums. There is a GIANT difference and one that will make a BIG impact on their future in music.
I've often thought the same. Drum-off's are poison to music. So is this technical obsession with metal and Jazz.
Makes me want to listen to Gary Husband.
hihats SHHHHHHHH!!!! Let them miss or ignore the point if they want to!! MORE GIGS FOR US!! LOL! Just kidding!! But you totally HIT THE MARK!
hihats You made me remember something. I recently auditioned for a rock/fusion band that used to have a skilled jazz type drummer, and I was nervous because I'm not really very technically skilled (I'm working on it every day though) and I thought I would make a mess. Funny thing is, after a few further rehearsals they told me they wanted me in the band because they liked how I felt the songs and grooved to them. Apparently, the other drummer was a great shredder and made excellent solos, but was very cold in every other aspect. I still feel like I'm not up to the gig totally, but it makes me happy that 'feel' is still valued, even among us youngsters (20).
I adopted these paradigms about 10 years ago. I used to play for the musicians in the audience. Then I played for the musicians in the band. Now I play for the music. It's great having a pocket full of licks, but it's the cat who can keep those licks in his pocket that transcends "good drumming" to great drumming. Like Dennis says, give the music what it needs.
how could anyone dislike this video, it's all TRUTH!
As Dennis said, music is all about feel. You can hear music all day long but feeling it totally different. Well said Dennis, well said.
Well said Mr. Chambers!
Thank you!
On a side note: I see 76 likes, 1 dislike. Who could possibly 'dislike' this? I'm puzzled.
2 now. Just some speed demons that don't know about Mr. Chambers' chops.
Ironically, someone who stopped listening
Rahul Roy Music listening take some effort !
Some people haven't got the brain power to do it !
well I think the one who disliked didn't recognize him and disliked thinking the guy wasn't dennis!!!
I have been following your career for years and this has been the best message u have given us musicians who play the music by far keep on stickin and thank you for those "words" of encouragement Mr. Chambers!
Nikka yu live in Compton
Yeah I dew & y'all smashed n the studio mane!
U got that!
Jae Doch07 we didn't get a chance to record sloppy off the yak treez was gone
Humbling words from a most honorable source. God bless you. Prayers for good health going out to you brother Dennis.
my hero dennis chambers!!! thanks for your words and all your music!!! god bless u
Bless you and your words!
THANKS Mr. Chambers! I have always applied the Chambers theory and it blows a lot of peops away that I'm so in tuned with everything that's going on with the music, "one band one sound" God Bless u, u will always be "The GROOVE master to me!"
Hola queridísimo y amado DENNIS!!! DIOS TE DE TODO LO QUE NECESITES PARA MEJORAR PRONTO!! mis ojos nunca vieron tanta destreza en un instrumento como la batería! y espero con todo mi corazón que salgas adelante drums masters!! tu grandeza como músico es tu humildad como hombre!! DIOS TE BENDIGA CON MUCHA SANIDAD!! ANIMO DENNIS!! TODO MEJORARÁ!!
You were the reason I started drumming and to see you doing better warms my heart. Thank you for all that you've done for drumming and what you've done for me and music and whole. You're the greatest and I can't wait to see you back doing what you love to do.. Thank You Dennis.....
Dennis thank you for sharing this wisdom!
At last....you have spoken the truth about these young drummers.
Thanks so much, Dennis, for everything you've ever done. As usual, I take your wisdom to heart and it'll stay with me.
a great example of what Dennis is talkin about is the live 2011 Europa video here on youtube. thanks for the lesson Dennis. your fellow drummers salute you!
Mr. Chambers you are an inspiration to me ever since I was a kid starting out. God bless you and may he continue to do marvelous things in your life..
Love you Dennis! Please keep making it feeling good for us! God bless you!
Dennis Love your comments , you are one of my inspirations in drumming . I have toured and notice the same thing and in the local scene here in Denver as well. I try to teach my younger students its about the groove and the music as a whole..
God bless brother... Dean T Maltese
Deansgroove......
Thank you mr. Chambers, always an honor to take your advise.
well said Dennis ! its all about pocket / feel to make the music come alive.
God Bless you Dennis, you will be in my prayers. Your are the best of the best!
I saw Dennis perform and speak at a clinic a year ago. It was extremely beneficial, exciting, and stimulating!
Thank You! This is my goal every time I play in any band. Making the beat/groove feel good.
He loves the beauty of music with other great contributors. Great guy!
A priceless 7 minute Masterclass, and if I may also say - this video gives real insight into Dennis Chamber's approach. Thanks!!
so right Dennis: Space defines music!
Dennis is known for being the "straightest" drummer of the Jazz scene. He almost played Rock grooves with Jazz musicians. His China is legendary!
There is one animated film called I think "The Story of Jazz". This is something I would recommend any musicians to go and see before he goes on a career.
A young boy starts to play the trumpet and practises all those runs and then one day hears some LIVE music around the blocks. He decides to look for it and finds a jamm session going on. So he walks onto the stage and plays his runs: The guys ask him to leave and to listen to some music. So he goes back to his room and listens to jazz records and the solos being played there. So he studies that and goes back to the group walks onto the stage and starts to play solos. Again they ask him to leave and tell him to listen to the music. He goes back to his room puts on the records trying to find out what they meant. After a while he starts to feel something and decides to go back to the group. He walks onto the stage and just stands there listening. And step by step starts adding his ideas while continously listening. That' s as far as I can remember this story - maybe 25 years ago I watched it on 3sat a German TV channel. Along with this story there were little jam sessions with German and intl Jazz legends like Charlie Mariano and Danner going on.
OMG didn't even recognize him wow such a blessing...my daddy loves him
You've always been able to mix virtuosity, with humility. The things you play, and say have been an inspiration! And I've always loved that Victor Borge impression at the end of drum solos. That was pretty unique, just like everything else you've done. Fantastic, Courageous, and Musical! Thank you, and please be well
This Pure Words are Blessing to All the Musicians and Listeners ❤️
He's almost unrecognizable.
So satisfying to watch this on both a personal & musical level. Dennis on top of his game :)
Thanks for posting. Words from a Master of Masters!
It's good to see you up and about Dennis, you're looking good...peace
Wow, i can't believe how thin he is now because of his illness.. I hope he gets healthy really soon..
Rhythmista What was wrong with him?? He looks really bad here. I didn't even recognize him.
Rhythmista ikr same here
These words are from a master drummer.
so true Dennis ! It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing !
master word...it goes in general life...ty Mr Chambers
yes , thanks :)
What is important and most wonderful thing in music and art in general is that it gives us more freedom than anything else. Music is a discovery, it's not an invention, all we (people) done is systematized our experience and came with ideas which formed schools known today. And to criticize something you need to measure it first. To measure you need a system. You can make one based on different music terms, such as "groove", "speed", "polyrhythmics", "composition" etc., But how can you come up with a system that measures human emotion and perception? It's well known that what sounds "good" for you, may not even touch other's feelings. Excuse me for my English, not a native speaker.
Dennis has always been one of my favourite drummers and this is a great video to show to any drummer regardless of skill level, but man, he isn't looking so hot these days. Really shows how much his recent illness took it out of him.
Well said I'm glad your getting better
Ah Dennis, you are looking good baby. Hang in there and beat that shit. Be blessed.
What an inspiration! I've been following Dennis since he was the drummer for George Clinton's P~Funk All Stars.
God in da house.
Dennis is the best! Get better soon! Love ya!
words of a true master
Well said Dennis....whoa.
thank you for your wise words. love and greetings yoan warmerdan from holland.
Maestro, un grande de la. Música
So great thx…..👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
My man✊🏽. Well said..
Amen!! Amen!! I totally agree!!
That kit is gorgeous!
I like the new Dennis better than the old one !
For me he is more real this time.....
These videos are so interesting! More please.
Very well said!
Glad you're doing well. Looking forward to hearing you in 2015. Take care!
wow, I barely recognized him!
much respect for you as a drummer and a human being, Mr. Chambers.
wow, he sure has lost a lot of weight.
Get well soon brother.....
Amen DC!!
Do you know, the older I get the more I sound like an old git. What I've come to realise is that old gits speak a lot of sense. Dennis is neither an old git, or speaks nonsense. All musicians should see this video. Less is more. Play from the heart. Mean every thing you play. Perhaps I'm not an old git.
Amen brother!
alot drummer my age focus one speed only and then people wanna compare them to dennis chambers and all the other older but great drummers
Dennis has spoken.
Get well best wishes !
That was steve gadd on the phone !!! Best wishes dennis .
Right on.
👍👍 so true!
Hello Dennis you to play with Alvaro Andreu, 18 years old from spain,a very good guitarrist.You have to listen in his you tube channel you write only Alvaro Andreu.The best couple in the music after Mike Stern.
Truth..
Lol @ "Steely Dan's" band. I love Dennis and he's totally on point here.
Less will ALWAYS be more.
Woww this skinny he totally looks like Giancarlo Esposito from breaking bad. Even his voiiice!!! Gustavo!!! Wowww amazing drummer
Considering this appeal, I'm interested in what Dennis thinks about Ron Bruner Jr? He's a busy drummer, but I like the guy. Tonnes of feel, if sometimes inappropriate.
Holy shit. Had no clue he was in the ICU in a coma three years ago. Didn't believe it was him with the higher voice. Glad he's ok. We lost Tony way too early. Let's not lose Dennis. But, did he gain all the weight back?
Word! :)
Great man, covered one of his and Tony's song here....
PMC DRUMS - Intro (play along) by "Dennis Chambers & Tony Royster Jr."
It is about Old School vs New School.
I hope old school wins.
Sir you are so amazing I wish to perform wit you or tonyroyster
Great Dennis))) I hope all is ok... with love ...Chicco
Same w Vinnie, as awesome as his technique was/is everything he did was based on the music just listen to the stuff he did w Sting.
Feel... nothing more...
✊🏾
"Space is the place"
How ironic is it that in the suggestions is nothing but Dennis Chambers solos?
Does anyone know of the Ride cymbal he play's?
Whaaaaaaaaaat
oh my god, what happened to him? :/
Wouldn't you like to know.
Painx7 muy cierto hasta su voz se oye diferente!!
He was sick recently, his wife wasn't specific at what.
Lo esperamos recuperado, para que siga destrozando la bateria
God bless Mr Chambers!
This is what John McLaughlin has enunciated.
!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE PHONE RINGING IN THE BACKGROUND AT 4:25 IS RINGING AT 115 BPM......I think i have a timing infatuation!!! GET WELL SOON DENNIS. I think you just need some time on "THE MOTHERSHIP"
This almost sounds like Dennis wants to pass on his legacy. Oh my God, does he know something we don't?
I'm from Baltimore he's been saying this for years to musicians he sees something in. Me included. NOW he's more open with sharing his knowledge.
He always says "play the music"
he looks like he's doing the ultimate dissing to young players...
Sounds to me like he's reminding the young guys not to forget that chops only go so far.
Yeah I know and Dennis' right. He as much as the old school musicians, has a sense of incomparable musicality!
does anybody know what´s happened to him
I think if you want to be specifically just a drum clinic player then it's important to have a lot of chops. But if you want to be an in demand session drummer in the city you come from then musicality is very important I think people when they practise they just practice technique and just rudiments
He must be referring Virgil Donati and "shed" drummers!
Man, I'm watching him and can't see Dennis Chambers. Totally can not recognize him. He is not even chewing his trademark gum... Hope he'll be fine. And things that he said are to be written in the Drum Bible.