HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (July 20, 2006) — Yamaha drummer
Ndugu Chancler has had a busy and memorable summer. He recently reunited with former band mate Carlos Santana, received an award from Project MuszEd, taught at the University of California at Berkeley's Young Musicians Program, and performed with legendary entertainer Bill Cosby.
"Ndugu is an extremely versatile and talented musician who has worked with the best of the best in the business. We are honored that Ndugu was one of our very first Yamaha Drum endorsees, coming on board in 1974. There is no one more dedicated to music and more deserving of his recent honors and recognition," says Joe Testa, international artist relations manager for
Yamaha Drums.
When guitar legend Carlos Santana performed and was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame last month, Chancler was backing the superstar on drums. It was the first time they had played together since the 1988 Carlos Santana/Wayne Shorter tour. Their history doesn't stop at touring together. Chancler composed hits for Santana that include "Dance Sister Dance," "Take Me With You," and "Tell Me Are You Tired."
Chancler was the recent recipient of Project MuszEd's Illumination Award for his dedication and commitment to music education. Project MuszEd provides opportunities for inner city and disadvantaged youth to develop their own resources that encourage personal growth and achievement through music.
Furthering his commitment to music education, Chancler was in residency this summer with the University of California at Berkeley's Young Musicians Program. The mission of this special organization is to assist musically gifted students who cannot afford musical training and to provide them with comprehensive music education, academic reinforcement and personal guidance on a full scholarship basis. Additionally, he joined
Patrice Rushen and Rodney Whitaker for an annual fundraiser for the Young Musicians Program.
Chancler's busy summer schedule also included a recent performance at the internationally acclaimed 28th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival in Hollywood. He joined master of ceremonies and legendary entertainer Bill Cosby's Cos of Good septet that featured Cosby, Walter Blanding Jr., Dwayne Burno, Gerald Clayton, Kevin Eubanks and Steve Turré.
Chancler wears many hats as a drummer, percussionist, producer, composer, clinician and educator. As a studio musician, he has performed and recorded with greats such as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, John Lee Hooker, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, George Duke, Thelonious Monk and Michael Jackson. Working on Jackson's
Thriller and
Bad, Chancler was the drummer on the hit "Billie Jean."
In addition to his hits for Santana, Chancler has written notable songs such as "Reach For It" for George Duke and "Let It Whip" for the Dazz Band. His production credits include his own solo recordings, along with projects for Flora Purim, Bill Summers, Toki, The Crusaders, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Tina Turner, and Ernie Watts.
With 20 plus years as a Yamaha artist, Chancler's drum kit includes:
Acoustic Drums:
SD-255NC 14" x 5.5" Snare Drum
Ndugu Chancler Sig. Series
ABD-1022 22" x 16" Bass Drum
ATT-Custom 6" x 6" Tom
ATT-1008J 8" x 7" Tom
ATT-1010J 10" x 7.5" Tom
ATT-1012J 12" x 8" Tom
ATT-1013J 13" x 9" Tom
AFT-1014 14" x 14" Floor Tom
AFT-1016 16" x 16" Floor Tom
Hardware:
CS-845 Cymbal Stand (3x)
DS-1100 Hydraulic Drum Stool
FP-9310 Single Foot pedal
HS-950 Hi-hat stand
SS-940 Snare Drum Stand
TH-945 Bass Drum Tom Holder
WS-955 Double Tom Stand (2x)
