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Dennis Chambers : Modern Drummer

Dennis Chambers






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Note: Some MD articles are only available in pdf format. Those articles do not appear in this list. Subscribers to Digital and All-Access can view every Modern Drummer issue in their available formats. Browse all MD issues from our archive here.
September 2022:
Modern Drummer 2022 Readers Poll Winners

It is time to announce the winners of the 2022 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks for your artistry and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Thank you for your recordings, concerts, clinics, shows, books, videos, articles, and everything else that …


October 2021:
12 MD Cover Artists on Playing for the Song From the Modern Drummer Archives

As we honor Charlie Watts in this special tribute issue, we wanted to take a look back at how some other drummers accomplished what Watts did so brilliantly—which was create parts and arrangements that enhanced the song. A lot of drummers have discussed composition, production, and collaboration—as well as creating …


September 2020:
MODERN DRUMMER SEPTEMBER 2020 COVER
What Was Your First Favorite Drum Record?
Reader Platform September 2020

Vivid by Living Colour. Will Calhoun plays masterfully and with tons of power. It was perfect: playable but loaded with nuance.Scott Sparks Manu Katché on Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Live. I was around five, and it just blew my mind. That’s when I realized drumming was what I wanted to …


October 2019:
The 5/4 Half-Time Shuffle
Rock n Jazz Clinic

A Perennial Groove with an Enlightened Perception For those of you who’ve never heard the coveted half-time shuffle, which is also commonly referred to as the Purdie shuffle, I’d encourage you to check out the timeless tracks “Babylon Sisters” and “Home at Last” by Steely Dan (with Bernard Purdie on …


March 2019:
March 19 Cover
Dennis Chambers
Dennis Chambers

With a gleam in his eye, DC takes control of the out vamp and thrills the Blue Note crowd with a flourish of sweeps


March 2019:
March 19 Cover
It Was Twenty Years Ago….

This is the issue of Modern Drummer that’s given out at the annual winter NAMM trade show, which is being  held between January 24 and 27 at the Convention Center in Anaheim, California.


March 2019:
March 19 Cover
Dennis Chambers’ Half-Time Shuffle
Rock n Jazz Clinic

In this lesson, we’ll focus on variations of a groove that Chambers plays on the song “Babylon Sisters.”


March 2019:
March 19 Cover
What’s Your Favorite Dennis Chambers Performance?
Readers Platform Albums

Steely Dan’s “Alive in America” is amazing! [Chambers plays] the perfect groove for the perfect music. “Josie,”“Peg,” and “Babylon Sisters” are all awesome.


January 2012:
Dennis Chambers: Multidimensional Rhythmic Warrior
Dennis Chambers

By merging elements of funk, fusion, R&B, and jazz into a daunting style that rides magically on a carpet of stunning power and technical exhilaration, Dennis Chambers has become one of the most important and influential drummers of the post-fusion period.


March 2017:
Great 80s Drum Performances, Part 2: Jazz and Fusion

The ’80s might not be anyone’s first reference point for the golden age of jazz, but a closer examination reveals wonders under the surface. Sure, traditional acoustic jazz was no longer in favor, though some of the established innovators of the ’60s and ’70s were still playing at a high …


October 2006:
October 2006 – Volume 30 • Number 10

Chris Adler, Billy Kilson, Dennis Chambers, James “The Rev” Sullivan, Gary Chester, Patrick Hallahan, Mike Wengren, Timmy Biery, Chuck Burgi, Lee Crystal, Steve Smith, Michael Novak Jr., Dave Weckl, Dave Mattacks, Dick Shanahan, Walter “Clyde” Orange, Neil Peart, Morgan Rose, Joey Baron


January 2005:
January 2005 – Volume 29 • Number 1

John Blackwell, Prince, Jason Bittner, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gregg Bissonette, Glenn Kotche, Shelly Mane, Steve Barney, Jack Irons, Brooks Wackerman, Gregg Bendian, Michael Brueggen, Oliver Charles, Benjamin Weikel, Dennis Chambers, Adrian Erlandsson


July 2003:
July 2003 – Volume 27 • Number 7

Steve Jocz, Gene Krupa, ?uestlove, Steven Drozd, Louie Bellson, Chris Knapp, Daniel Glass, Shannon Leto, Jody Cortez, Neal Smith, Randy Caputo, Dennis Chambers, Hilary Jones, John Riley


December 2002:
December 2002 – Volume 26 • Number 12

Dennis Chambers, Karl Perazzo, Raul Rekow, Pat Wilson, Terry Bozzio, Cyrus Bolooki, Philly Joe Jones, Brian Levy, Barrett Martin, Brendan Canty, Mickey Hart, John Carlarco, Chris Hesse, Bill Stewart, David Garibaldi, Russ McKinnon, Shawn Pelton


January 2001:
January 2001 – Volume 25 • Number 1

Tré Cool, Wuv, Nicko McBrain, Dave Krusen, Phil Ehart, Trey Gray, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Rod Morgenstein, Peter Erskine, Neil Peart, Mel Lewis, Roy Burns, Mark Parsons, Rick Van Horn, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Tito Puente, Alan Dawson, Gary Chester, Eric Carr, Larrie Londin, Art Blakey, Philly Joe …


January 2000:
January 2000 – Volume 24 • Number 1

Dennis Chambers, Tony Royster Jr., Matthew Cross, Jaki Liebezeit, Johnny Kelly, Chad Taylor, Martina Axen, Gregg Bissonette, Omar Hakim, Alan White, Shelly Manne, Peter Erskine, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Chick Webb, Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, John Bonham


June 1998:
June 1998 – Volume 22 • Number 6

Jack Irons, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Ricky Lawson, Adrian Young, Steve Smith, Mike Palmer, Danny Gottlieb, Mario Calire, Ken Tondre, Marcus Miller, Brad Hargreaves, J.D. Blair, Steve Smith, Scott Amendola, Carl Allen , Jerry Marotta, Dennis Chambers, John ” JR” Robinson


June 1996:
June 1996 – Volume 20 • Number 6

In this Issue: Eddie Bayers, Jerry Kroon, Kenny Malone, Owen Hale, Paul Leim, Lonnie Wilson, Tommy Wells, Milton Sledge, Dave Beyer, Ricky Fataar, Taylor Hawkins, Max Roach, Robin Goodridge, Sidney “Big Sid” Catlett, Dennis Chambers, Stewart Copeland, Jim Donovan, Jim DiSpirito, Adolfo ” Fofi” Lancha, Kenny Aronoff, Bill Stewart, Robby …


September 1994:
September 1994 – Volume 18 • Number 9

In this Issue: Dennis Chambers, Jim Chapin, Sim Cain


October 1993:
October 1993 – Volume 17 • Number 10

In this Issue: Vinnie Colaiuta, Rob Affuso, Mickey Curry, Terry Bozzio, Louie Bellson, Dave Abbruzzese, Adam Nussbaum, Ginger Baker, Dennis Chambers


May 1989:
May 1989 – Volume 13 • Number 5

In this Issue: Dennis Chambers, Chris Blackwell, Bill Berg


February 1989:
February 1989 – Volume 13 • Number 2

In this Issue: Bill Bruford, Simon Wright, Carl Palmer, Harvey Mason, Dennis Chambers, Peter Erskin, Steve Smith



Posted: October 13, 2022

Category: News
Drumming’s Biggest Names To Play LIVE Tribute to Their Big Band Heroes

Seven All-Star Drummers Including Peter Erskine, Dennis Chambers, Russ Miller and Steve Smith will Perform October 20 and 21 HITKOR (www.hitkor.com) today announced its first-ever charity event which will take place over two days in mid-October. “A Salute to the Big Band Greats” will feature performances from all-star drummers Peter …


Posted: March 7, 2021

Category: News
The Repercussions of Percussion – Don Mathew, MD FAAPMR – 3/7/21

  To my fellow drummers, I feel your pain…literally. I am a practicing physician that completed medical school about ten years ago and subsequently trained at Northwestern Medicine into a specialty called physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, with a background in kinesiology and sports medicine. That’s right! …


Posted: September 28, 2020

Oz Noy Album
Category: News
Upcoming Oz Noy Album, Snapdragon, Will Feature Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers: Video

Guitarist Oz Noy’s upcoming album, Snapdragon, which comes out on November 6, will feature three of the greatest fusion drummers of all time: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers. A slew of other recognizable names also appear: bassists John Patitucci, James Genus, and Will Lee; keyboardists Brian Charette, David …


Posted: July 22, 2020

MDHall
Category: News
Dennis Chambers and Greg Grainger Partake in Virtual Music School for Aspiring Musicians

Maryland Hall and Paul Reed Smith will present the second-annual Music School for Aspiring Musicians four-day live event virtually from August 10 through 13. This unique online experience is open to musicians and enthusiasts of all ages around the world. Top professional teachers and musicians scheduled to present include renowned …


Posted: January 29, 2019

Meathook Bus
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Anthony Citrinite of The Collective and MeetHook in On The Beat

Dear MD! My name is Anthony Citrinite and I have been lucky enough to play drums professionally for many years with a number of great bands including Boston, Coheed & Cambria, and currently with Embers Only.


Posted: August 1, 2018

Jess Margera
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Jess Margera of CKY: Talks New Album and Upcoming Tour

How goes it, my fellow MD readers! Jess Margera here. So I’m fixing to tell you about CKY’s latest album, The Phoenix. We recorded it at Rancho de la Luna and of course I had to use its vintage Ludwigs. I can’t even count how many legendary albums were recorded …


Posted: May 31, 2018

TJ Taylor
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with TJ Taylor of SOiL: Talks New Record, Influences, and Upcoming Shows

Hello modern drummers! My name is TJ Taylor. It’s an honor to write to the MD community and fill you in on what I’ve been up to. Since mid 2017, I have been drumming for hard rock veterans SOiL.


Posted: April 21, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Gregg Potter: One Hundred Years of Buddy Rich

Hi everyone, Gregg Potter here! Buddy Rich would have been one hundred years old this September. Unfortunately, his body left us thirty years ago this month, but his soul remains. I know the drumming community can all agree on the fact that Buddy Rich is one of the most influential …


Posted: February 22, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Mountain’s Corky Laing: Talks Festivals, Tours, and New Material

Hi there MD readers, it’s Corky here again! I wanted to update you on what’s happening. In my previous OTB, I was on my way to London to participate in the Jack Bruce tribute. It was a joy to share the stage and drumkit with Gary Husband, Dennis Chambers, and …


Posted: February 3, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Adam Chase of Jazz Is Phsh and More

Hello Modern Drummer world. My name is Adam Chase and I’m the drummer and bandleader for the Chase Brothers, Jazz Is Phsh, and the James Brown Dance Party, as well as a studio drummer and multi-instrumentalist. As a long-time touring drummer, I’ve had the good fortune to share the stage …


Posted: October 14, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Corky Laing of Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing: Looking Back and Facing Forward

Hi there MD readers, Corky here. As some of you may know, I have been a professional drummer for half a century. You might remember me from such bands as Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing.


Posted: April 19, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Kennith “Memphis??? Shepherd of Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal: Being a Part of the Collective

Hello MD! With the nickname “Memphis,” it’s not hard to tell where I’m from. I grew up around a lot of musicians and have been playing drums since age two. I’m currently with the soul/funk/R&B band, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal. With the band, I get to use various styles …


Posted: March 28, 2016

Category: News, News and Events
Drum Workshop Inks Worldwide Distribution Deal With Kickport

Drum Workshop has inked a deal for worldwide distribution, marketing, and artist relations for KickPort International products….


Posted: November 2, 2015

Category: Feature Stories
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List

Over the course of his forty-year career traveling the globe to teach, perform, and conduct clinics, Dom Famularo has interacted with some of the finest drummers and drum instructors in the world. The following list contains many of those names, organized by country/continent. If you’re looking for top-notch drum instruction, …


Posted: November 19, 2014

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
News: John Wackerman’s Drum Duets Volume II Features Duets With Chambers, Hawkins, Bozzio, Lang, and More

The follow-up to the popular and successful CD and book release, Drum Duets Volume I, John Wackerman’s Drum Duets Volume II features top LA session drummer, composer, and producer John Wackerman teaming up with sixteen world-class artists. The video project was shot with multiple camera angles at Drum Channel, runs …


Posted: October 14, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, News and Events
The Essence of Progressive Drumming

What is the rhythmic essence of progressive music? What makes prog so different from other genres? Does it require a specific skill set on the drumkit, or does the nature of the music make it open to interpretation? MD posed these and other questions to the drummers in Spock’s Beard, …


Posted: June 8, 2014

Category: News, News and Events
Sarah Hagan to Head Zildjian Artist Relations Worldwide

The Zildjian Company is proud to announce that Sarah Hagan has been promoted to director of artist relations–worldwide effective immediately. Sarah assumes responsibility for planning and executing Zildjian’s global artist relations program based out of its headquarters in Norwell, MA….


Posted: March 26, 2014

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
May 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring Jim Riley

See what’s in the May 2014 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine featuring drummer Jim Riley…


Posted: August 1, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center Launches Its 25th Annual Drum-Off Competition

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off launches its 25th annual search for the next great undiscovered drummer.


Posted: June 5, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jesse Marquardt of Winslow

My name is Jesse Marquardt, and I am the drummer for the soul-rock band Winslow….


Posted: March 18, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Mike Lloyd of Leogun

My earliest memory of wanting to play drums dates comes from when I was ten years old and riding in the back of my dad’s car.


Posted: December 10, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kenneth “Big Eazy??? Walker of the Lee Boys

My beat in music consists of giving back the gift that I was given. I started in music at a very young age, learning first from family.


Posted: December 4, 2012

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Dave King of the Bad Plus: Web-Exclusive Interview

An exclusive web-interview with Dave King of the Bad Plus.


Posted: August 15, 2012

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Nate Smith

As a member of Dave Holland’s big band, quintet, and octet, Nate Smith holds, well, three of the most cherished gigs in jazz. Holland, a revered bass player who started his own musical quest with Miles Davis in the ’60s, has nurtured many a drummer in his high-octane ensembles, and …


Posted: May 8, 2012

Category: News, News and Events
D’Arcus Curry, Angieszka Matusczak, and Karmi Santiago Announced as Winners of Hit Like A Girl 2012

The sponsors and supporters of “Hit Like A Girl 2012??? are proud to announce the winners of the first ever drumming contest for girls and women. (read more)


Posted: April 19, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Phil “NaturalPhil??? Johnson

A few months back Michael and I finally had time to jam out in one of the studio sessions I had planned. We mesh really well together and are musically in sync, so when we get together it just works. I love classical styles and blurring it with contemporary music, …


Posted: March 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
Dennis Chambers Performance From the 2011 Guitar Center Drum-Off Finale

A second video from Guitar Center’s 2011 Drum-Off finale this past January 14: Dennis Chambers tearing it up on a slow groove.


Posted: February 22, 2012

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert

The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert takes place for the first time in the UK at the London Palladium on 2nd April 2012. The  lineup is confirmed as Dave Weckl,  John Blackwell and Gregg Potter from the USA and Ian Paice, Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison and Elliott Henshaw from the UK. Singing supremo Tony Christie will also appear. One of Buddy Rich’s …


Posted: November 4, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
Preparing for Takeoff: Jack Irons on His Current Approach to Moving Solo Tracks to the Stage

MD Online recently spoke to Jack about the process of making his new EP, including the making of the video for the track “Outer Space Dream.???


Posted: July 7, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Colin Cunningham of Oh No Fiasco

y name is Colin Cunningham, and I play for a band called Oh No Fiasco. First of all, I’d like to thank Modern Drummer for offering me this blog! Here’s a little about me: When I was young my father was a drummer and played in several bands. I received …


Posted: July 1, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
MD Readers Poll 2011 Results

Welcome once again to the MD Readers Poll, where the greatest drummers on the planet are honored by the most educated drum fans around. Let’s get right to it: the envelope, please….


Posted: May 27, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Remembering “The Chapin Magic”

Modern Drummer’s 2011 Readers Poll Hall of Fame inductee is the late drummer/educator Jim Chapin, who passed away in 2009.


Posted: February 16, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Chris Coleman: Amazing Journey

More with the phenomenal drummer/educator, who was featured in the January 2011 issue of MD. His is one of the most closely observed careers in R&B, fusion, gospel, and pop drumming, with acts like Israel Houghton & New Breed, Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, Randy Brecker, and New …


Posted: December 22, 2010

Gorden Campbell Modern Drummer Drummer Blog
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gorden Campbell

Hey, MD readers! It’s your boy Gorden Campbell, and I’m back once again to give you an update on my travels around the globe! This has been a busy year for me. From the George Duke and American Idol tours, to recording my first instructional DVD, I’ve had a great …


Posted: December 6, 2010

David Phillips Modern Drummer Drummer Blog
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
David Phillips: "A Drummer’s Perspective???

Photo by Marc Rouve You can probably guess I dabble a bit on the old drumkit myself, and it is always difficult trying to explain to someone what it looks like sitting on that throne—the best seat in the house. With my images in the book I try to give …


Posted: December 6, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
David Phillips: “A Drummer’s Perspective???

Photo by Marc Rouve You can probably guess I dabble a bit on the old drumkit myself, and it is always difficult trying to explain to someone what it looks like sitting on that throne—the best seat in the house. With my images in the book I try to give …


Posted: August 12, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kevin Figueiredo of Extreme

Hey, everyone, my name in Kevin Figueiredo, and I am the drummer for Extreme. I’ve been playing drums professionally for the past fifteen years, and my main influences include John Henry Bonham, David Garibaldi, Dennis Chambers, and Dave Grohl, among many others. I never went to music school, but I’ve …


Posted: July 22, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Giuseppe “Gypsy??? Capolupo of Haste The Day

My name is Giuseppe “Gypsy??? Capolupo, and I play for Indianapolis, Indiana–based metal-core band Haste The Day. What an honor it is to be featured on such a well-known website!


Posted: May 24, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kevin Hogle of 500 Miles To Memphis

What’s up, MD readers! Thanks for taking the time to read this blog entry, and a huge thanks to Modern Drummer for giving me the opportunity to do so! My name is Kevin Hogle, and I play in a band called 500 Miles To Memphis. We hail from Cincinnati, Ohio, …


Posted: March 26, 2010

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Dennis Chambers: Fiercely Comin’ At You From Multiple Directions

Dennis Chambers was born on May 9, 1959, and started playing the drums at the young age of four. By his sixth birthday he was already playing in nightclubs. Strictly self-taught, at the age of eighteen Dennis went straight from high school to playing with George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, where …


Posted: March 22, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Eric Singer: Just Being Himself

For eighteen years, Kiss’s drummer has helped his world-famous band stay in our hearts and on the radio by doing what he does best—being himself. In this special online extra from his May 2010 MD cover story, we begin by asking Eric about…The Band’s Younger Fans. In 2004 we did …


Posted: November 24, 2009

Category: Feature Stories
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More)

On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More). MD’s editors just can’t keep a list of their favorite albums short–even in service of a can’t-resist pun. Twenty-seven live albums you gotta have.


Posted: October 13, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gary Foster of The Sunstreak

What’s up, everyone! My name is Gary Foster and I play drums and percussion with the Sunstreak…


Posted: August 20, 2009

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Remembering Jim Chapin

The venerable drum teacher passed away this July 4, leaving behind thousands of acolytes–and a million great stories. In this companion to the In Memoriam in the October issue of MD, we hear from some of Chapin’s many friends and drumming disciples.


Posted: May 23, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Stephen Nicholson of This Is A Shakedown!

My name is Stephen Nicholson. I grew up in the city of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I became interested in drumming around the age of nine….


Posted: April 26, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Josh Trager of The Sam Roberts Band

I'm Josh Trager from Montreal, and I play drums in the Sam Roberts Band. We just came off a pretty solid eight months of touring our new record, “Love At The End Of The World.”


Posted: March 1, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Britney Spears’ Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey was born in Sheffield, England, on January 5, 1974, and has been surrounded by music his whole life. His dad played guitar and his mom sang, and early on Chris discovered he had an uncanny talent for the drums. At age eight he was already playing in his …


Posted: November 1, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Jon Wysocki of Staind

Jon Wysocki has been laying down his tasteful, well thought–out grooves with the chart-topping band Staind for thirteen years. The group, which hails from Springfield, Massachusetts, also includes lead singer/guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist/vocalist Johnny April. They’ve recorded six studio albums and four number-one singles, and …


Posted: August 13, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Nico Hartikainen of Danger Radio

I've been playing for about twelve years now. I started when I lived in Helsinki, Finland.


Posted: July 18, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Thomas Pridgen: Turning Bedlam Into Beats

Twenty-four year old Thomas Pridgen unleashes the most rabid drumming in recent memory on The Mars Volta’s The Bedlam In Goliath. Of course, the band’s fans have come to expect madness and mastery from the innovative Long Beach, California group…


Posted: May 8, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Roxy Petrucci of Vixen

Roxy here from the '80s band Vixen. “I know you, you're Robert Plank!” Believe it or not, my sister Maxine blurted out those words to the one and only Robert Plant!


Posted: April 25, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Marcus Baylor of The Yellowjackets

Hello, MD family! 2008 has been a blessed and busy year, with more great things to come! My name is Marcus Baylor, and I am the drummer with The Yellowjackets.


Posted: March 19, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Eric Valentine

Facility vs. humility. (Being a professional Modern Drummer.) And the winner is?


Posted: July 24, 2007

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason Bittner: What Drives The Beat Clinic Tour Diary

Hi, everyone out there in drum land, Jason Bittner here, recently returning home after completing my first ever U.S. clinic tour in support of my brand-new Hudson Music DVD, What Drives The Beat. We hit stops on the East Coast for seven intense days, and it was successful and a …


Posted: December 1, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Athena Kottak

Kottak’s Athena is a very funny, tell-it-like-it-is, beautiful woman who kicks ass behind the drumkit. Born a few years after her famous sibling—Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee—Athena is a cancer survivor, a mom, and the wife of Jimmy Ratchitt. Athena says she knew she would marry Ratchitt—aka James Kottak, former Kingdom …


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Damien Fahey

Damien Fahey has a dilemma: These days he’s having a difficult time finding the time to play his drums. You see, Damien hosts one of MTV’s most popular shows, Total Request Live, which airs weekdays at 5:00 P.M. EST to an audience of 50 million viewers.


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
David Northrup

Growing up on a mix of R&B, pop, rock, and country, David Northrup, originally from Syracuse New York, moved south in the early ’90s playing sessions and gigging the Florida club scene. One of those gigs led him to meeting and working with ace session guitarist Les Dudek…


Posted: May 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Billy Ashbaugh

‘N Sync, a pop band backed by live musicians, have gained a reputation of spectacle and not-to-be-missed precision. MD Online recently caught up with rising drum star Billy Ashbaugh, the man who keeps it all together….


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Bruce Guttridge

Dennis Chambers recently described Bruce Guttridge as “a monster” of a player (January 2000 MD). The compliment is well deserved; Bruce is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s hardest working and most in-demand drummers. Coming off of a five-year stint with Ien Navarro, Bruce is currently recording, producing, and playing with many …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Jeremy Hummel of Breaking Benjamin

Jeremy Hummel is equal parts bombast and finesse. He’s just as likely to ride hard on his China as he is to tap out an intricate riff on a 6″ effects cymbal. He’s as interested in “bringing back the gong” as he is in developing more finesse and subtlety on …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Robby Ameen

The first thing you notice when entering Robby Ameen’s Manhattan apartment is the rich aroma of Cuban cigars, stroking your nose hairs like a dark breeze from an illicit island. Ameen’s walls are covered with cigar-box covers from Habana’s finest: Cohiba, Montecristo, and Bolivar….


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Tim Alexander

When Tim Alexander left Primus in 1996, he was ready to move from the wacky, experimental frenzy of rhythms that had made the band a household name to a more structured rock format. He started his band Laundry to be able to do just that. Little did Alexander realize that …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Prince’s John Blackwell: An Interview

John Blackwell always listened to his dad’s advice, and it’s paid off, big time. “Growing up, my dad used to tell me, ‘If you want to make any money in this business, play in the pocket.'”…


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Adam Deitch with John Scofield

“He’s a bad boy, that’s for sure,” says guitar star John Scofield of his talented young sideman Adam Deitch. On the Sco gig, Deitch comes across like a composite of two great drummers that the guitarist has worked with before’the original funky drummer himself, Clyde Stubblefield, and highly regarded jazz …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Dennis Chambers: Santana Now: A Force Of Nature

A rhythmic force of nature since its inception in San Francisco’s Mission District in 1966, the Santana band has always set the bar high. And now, with superstar drummer Dennis Chambers joining percussionists Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, the bar (and the expectation) is even higher.


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Raul Rekow

A rhythmic force of nature since its inception in San Francisco’s Mission District in 1966, the Santana band has always set the bar high. And now, with superstar drummer Dennis Chambers joining percussionists Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, the bar (and the expectation) is even higher.


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Karl Perazzo, Dennis Chambers and Raul Rekow with Santana

A rhythmic force of nature since its inception in San Francisco’s Mission District in 1966, the Santana band has always set the bar high. And now, with superstar drummer Dennis Chambers joining percussionists Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, the bar (and the expectation) is even higher….


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Sean “The Rick” Rickman

In viewing the Compositional Drumming DVD by Washington, DC born Sean Rickman, one is immediately taken aback by his advanced drumming skills. No question, he is in a league with fusion greats Dennis Chambers, Steve Smith, and Dave Weckl. Rickman, also a talented multi-instrumentalist, composed the complex music and played …


Posted: May 15, 2002

Category: Drummers
Adam Deitch: Taking Sco Back To The Funk

This time around, legendary guitarist John Scofield wasn’t looking for a jam-band drummer. With Adam Deitch, he went for the funk. The New York native handles all acoustic and electronic drumming on Scofield’s latest album, ‘berjam.



Posted: July 29, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 44: Narada Michael Walden & Dennis Chambers Part 2

In this episode, Narada Michael Walden continues his two-part interview with Dennis Chambers. Dennis talks about working with various artists, how he finds musical inspiration, tips for drummers and artists in general, and much more. Audio Video


Posted: July 15, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 42: Narada Michael Walden & Dennis Chambers

In this episode, Narada Michael Walden interviews Dennis Chambers. Chambers has recorded and performed with John Scofield, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Santana, Mike Stern, CAB, Greg Howe, and many others. In this part 1 of the interview, Dennis Chambers takes us through his childhood, family, his influences in drumming, and …


Posted: September 27, 2019

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
MD Podcast Episode 211: Hal Blaine Classic Tracks, Half-Time Shuffles in Five, Canopus Solid Bronze Snare, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike take us on a brief tour through famed studio drummer Hal Blaine’s extensive discography, some ways to play a half-time shuffle in 5/4, and up for review is a beastly 4×14 Solid Bronze snare by Canopus.


Posted: February 8, 2019

Modern Drummer Podcast
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
MD Podcast Episode 178: Fusion Legend Dennis Chambers, Hand Exercises for Accuracy, Agean R Series Cymbals, and More

In this episode Mike and Mike dive into the March 2019 issue and discuss the cover artist, legendary funk, fusion, jazz, and pop drummer Dennis Chambers. The education segment focuses on a handful of hand exercises to develop rhythmic accuracy.