An excellent pop and funk drummer, Ndugu Chancler also played on many jazz dates, particularly early in his career. His rhythmic aggressiveness and vitality distinguishes anything he plays regardless of context. Chancler began playing drums at 12, and studied music in high school. His family moved from Louisiana to Los Angeles when he was eight. Chancler played with Willie Bobo and Gerald Wilson as a high school student. After two years of a state college, Chancler began playing with Hugh Masekela, and also worked with Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris and Thelonious Monk. He had brief stints with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard, then joined George Duke. Chancler played periodically with Duke from 1972 to 1980, while recording and performing with Harris, Julian Priester, Weather Report and Duke. He toured with Santana in the mid-'70s, and formed the band Chocolate Jam Co. in 1978.
© 2010
