Dennis Chambers: Studio Solo

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January 26th, 2005, 01:56 AM
nevesis

Quote:

Originally posted by Suspiria:
I see what you mean Nevesis. Perhaps it's just that I (and some others here) put one's evolution as a drummer at similar status with something like chops and groove.
I don't care how good someone can play, the development has to be there too! Now blaming Dennis' lack of progress over the years on his personality just doesn't do it for me. You mentioned that he gets sick of playing drums when he's not on tour. Now I have heard several others say this and taking some time off is fine, but why not use the time off tour to work on some new concepts? I am sure that this would be refreshing for us listeners and probably leave him more refreshed when starting a new tour.

See you still don't get it. (I don't mean this in a bad way)

Dennis does not care enough to work on some new concepts or further is playing to another level. To do so in his mind would to be making people like you happy, which when it comes to him I guess is not that important.

He is happy where he is drumming wise. I would be happy if I was at his level, but I would want to get better. Thats just me, and he is different in that way. Just accept it for what it is, thats my point. He is a guy who just plays man, he dosen't warm up, he can't read music, he walks into the iridium jazz club, sits down, and plays from his heart.

Nothing more to it then that.

I respect your opinion though! [img]smile.gif[/img]
January 26th, 2005, 01:57 AM
nevesis

Quote:

Originally posted by CLWarunki:
LOL!

Oh no, here we go again...

ROUND 2...

FIGHT!

[img]tongue.gif[/img]

P.S. Nev, your quote should have been "I see a lot of HIM in MY playing" - not the other way around... C'mon!

No, you are right, I phrased it wrong as I was typing. Cut me some slack dude. [img]smile.gif[/img]
January 26th, 2005, 01:58 AM
Suspiria

Don't worry this won't get out of hand. Maybe I am "wrong" but it would be great if people could add their opinion on the importance of evolution as drummers/musicians and also if its even possible to reach a point where you no longer feel like you need to prove anything to your listeners.
January 26th, 2005, 02:01 AM
nevesis

Quote:

Originally posted by Suspiria:
Don't worry this won't get out of hand. Maybe I am "wrong" but it would be great if people could add their opinion on the importance of evolution as drummers/musicians and also if its even possible to reach a point where you no longer feel like you need to prove anything to your listeners.

Your opinion is completely valid. I agree with you 100%, I actually wish Dennis would work on more stuff and try to expand his playing, but in all reality he dosen't have too in order to further his career or such.

To do so would simply be for himself, and I guess he does not feel he needs to do so. Take a guy like Virgil or Weckl, and its the complete opposite, those guys are constantly reinventing themselves.

Look at those types of drummers for what they are, and look at a guy like Dennis for what he is. Just because we are all drummers does not mean we have to all follow the same rules regarding the instrument.
January 26th, 2005, 02:01 AM
Suspiria

I understand perfectly well what I said, never worry about that. I struggle to fully agree with your viewpoint as you just highlighted MAJOR drawbacks of Dennis both in his personality and attitude. Maybe that's because you were speaking for someone else. Can someone please get Dennis to sign up here? [img]smile.gif[/img]
January 26th, 2005, 02:05 AM
nevesis

Quote:

Originally posted by Suspiria:
I understand perfectly well what I said, never worry about that. I struggle to fully agree with your viewpoint as you just highlighted MAJOR drawbacks of Dennis both in his personality and attitude. Maybe that's because you were speaking for someone else. Can someone please get Dennis to sign up here? [img]smile.gif[/img]

From the times I have met him, and or talked to him on the phone he has been nothing but cool.

He actually asked me for my address randomly one day, and I gave it to him, and he told me to be on the look out for Fedex.

Two days go back and a package arrives at my door, with an import cd of an amazing japanese bass player by the name of Tetsuo Sakurai, Greg Howe, and Dennis on it. It is still one of my favorite fusion cd's I own today. For someone of his status to go out of his way for a fan like me, really said something.

I can't speak on some of the bad things I read in the other thread about their experences with Dennis. I think he looks at people two ways. The people he will be "real" with are guys like me who follow who he has played with, have a ton of albums hes been on, and collect bootlegs, and love the music he makes with other musicians. I think the people he does not like are the people who just know him as "Dennis Chambers" and like others have said in the previous thread, looking at him like his a circus act, or a robot, to be told what to do on command.

Once again, no excuse for the things he has said!

[ January 25, 2005 10:09 PM: Message edited by: nevesis ]
January 26th, 2005, 02:06 AM
nevesis

[ January 25, 2005 10:07 PM: Message edited by: nevesis ]
January 26th, 2005, 02:11 AM
CLWarunki

Good point, I mean everyone knows that he CAN PLAY - I mean, REALLY PLAY... he knows too, so what's the problem? How much better/faster could he get anyways? Sure he could add new elements to his playing and take new approaches, but he doesen't NEED TO and he has no desire to... his years of practicing are OVER, his years of PLAYING and WORKING will go on. Makes sense to me... I'd be this way too, esp if I could play like THAT!

There are many drummers whom I prefer over Chambers, and there are many things I don't like about him - but just because he dosen't groove like Gadd, dosen't seem hip like Ward, isn't as boundless as Donati - dosen't mean he should chastised for it. No one is perfect and there is no drummer that can DO IT ALL - not even VC! I don't see why we expect Dennis to DO IT ALL, as if what he is capable is not enough!

I am cutting nev some slack here because I do agree with the gist of his posts.
January 26th, 2005, 02:22 AM
nevesis

Quote:

Originally posted by CLWarunki:
Good point, I mean everyone knows that he CAN PLAY - I mean, REALLY PLAY... he knows too, so what's the problem? How much better/faster could he get anyways? Sure he could add new elements to his playing and take new approaches, but he doesen't NEED TO and he has no desire to... his years of practicing are OVER, his years of PLAYING and WORKING will go on. Makes sense to me... I'd be this way too, esp if I could play like THAT!

There are many drummers whom I prefer over Chambers, and there are many things I don't like about him - but just because he dosen't groove like Gadd, dosen't seem hip like Ward, isn't as boundless as Donati - dosen't mean he should chastised for it. No one is perfect and there is no drummer that can DO IT ALL - not even VC! I don't see why we expect Dennis to DO IT ALL, as if what he is capable is not enough!

I am cutting nev some slack here because I do agree with the gist of his posts.

Great post, but to say Dennis can't groove like Gadd is pure comedy.

Let the shit storm begin... but cmon, argue who has a deeper groove, pocket... thats a NO brainer to me.
January 26th, 2005, 02:23 AM
Suspiria

Quote:

Originally posted by CLWarunki:
No one is perfect and there is no drummer that can DO IT ALL - not even VC! I don't see why we expect Dennis to DO IT ALL, as if what he is capable is not enough!

No drummer does it all and that's not what I expect, but for me the great drummers of today bring a positive attitude to the table and are HUNGRY. I don't think it's a good idea to finally settle with what you've got. I think that sums up my opinion...sort of. I am going to take a break now.

[img]graemlins/thinking.gif[/img]

[ January 25, 2005 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Suspiria ]

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