Recognized as one of the world’s foremost drummers, the Baltimore native was voted into the Drummer Hall of Fame in 2001 by readers of Modern Drummer magazine. Dennis began playing in local Baltimore bands the IBM’s, Skylab, and Uncle Remus in the ‘70s. Quickly developing a reputation as a solid drummer he was enlisted to join George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic (P-Funk) group shortly after graduating high school. Chambers worked with the P-Funk contingent from 1978-85 then later joined Special EFX (1985-87).
During the late ‘80s and into the ‘90s he performed and recorded with jazz groups led by David Sanborn, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Bob Berg… In ‘90s and ‘00s was a member of Niacin with Billy Sheehan (bass), and John Novello (organ). The trio released the CD’s “Niacin” (1997), “High Bias” (1998), “Deep” (2000), “Time Crunch” (2001), “Organik” (2005). Dennis also released a series of CDs with CAB featuring Tony MacAlpine (keys), and Bunny Brunel (bass), with guest spots by keyboardists Brian Auger, and Patrice Rushen.
Photos courtesy of Dennis Chambers
Dennis has been featured on hundreds of recordings of well-known artists including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, John McLaughlin, Brecker Brothers, George Duke, Thomas Dolby, Stanley Clarke, Mike Stern, Santana… and with some of the top local artists including Carl Filipiak, Tom Alonso, Stuart Hart… and worked as a studio drummer for Sugar Hill Records since the ‘70s.
Named by Modern Drummer Magazine as one of the top 25 drummers of all-time, in the ‘00s Dennis continued traveling worldwide in support of many top artists including Santana, and Mike Stern.
1991(CD) Pearl 660012 Big City
1991(CD) Glasshouse 1002 Getting Even
2002(CD) ESC 4908 Outbreak
