Dennis Chambers
If there is a GOAT of modern Jazz Fusion/Contemporary Music drummers, it is Dennis Chambers. His accolades are too numerous to mention. He is simply one of the most influential musicians of the last 50 years.
He has recorded and performed with John Scofield, George Duke, The Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, Niacin, Mike Stern, CAB, Greg Howe, and many others. Despite a lack of formal training, Chambers has become well known among drummers for his technique and speed. Chambers is particularly regarded for his ability to play "in the pocket" but can also stretch very far out of the pocket which is also a hallmark of his technique. Chambers exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove-oriented. He can play in a wide variety of musical genres, but is perhaps most notable for his jazz-fusion, funk, and Latin music playing. He is mostly known for his fast hands and triplets on the bass drum. He has helped many young drummers, the most prominent being Tony Royster, Jr.
Chris Fischer
Chris Fischer, a native New Yorker who relocated to the area 9 years ago, is armed with the rather fanciful degree of Jazz Studies from the Hartt School of Music.
He is the longtime keyboardist in Spyro Gyra alongside Scott Ambush.
Over the years, he has played with such funk and r&b legends as Stevie Wonder, Bobby Brown, Sheila E., Blood Sweat & Tears, Atlantic Starr, The Main Ingredient, Ceelo Green, Chante Moore, Brass Construction, Michael McDonald, Jennifer Hudson, Alton Scarborough, The Jones Girls, Dexter Wansel, Alyson Williams, Mikki Howard, Chico DeBarge, The Temptations, The Delfonics, GQ, Change, and Kevin Whalum as well as jazz stalwarts such as Larry Carlton, Paul Brown, Chieli Minucci, Gary & Greg Grainger, Ronnie Laws, Karen Briggs, Andrew Neu, Cindy Bradley, Cheikh NDoye, Jazmin Ghent, Michael Henderson, Jeanette Harris, Eddie Baccus Jr., Rob Zinn & Althea Rene.
The Frederick Jazz Society is proud to welcome internationally acclaimed bassist Scott Ambush with special guests Dennis Chambers and Chris Fischer.
For more than three decades, Scott has been one of the most recognizable and respected bassists in jazz, best known for his longtime tenure with the internationally renowned jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra. His unmistakable sound, deep groove, and melodic approach to the bass have been heard by audiences around the world through countless concerts, recordings, and festival appearances.
A gifted performer, composer, and educator, Scott's musical versatility allows him to move effortlessly between jazz, fusion, funk, gospel, and R&B. Whether anchoring the rhythm section with unwavering authority or taking a lyrical, expressive solo, he brings exceptional artistry and musicality to every performance.
Beyond the stage, Scott is passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians, sharing the wisdom and experience gained from a distinguished career alongside some of the world's finest artists.
These three master musicians will demonstrate individually and collectively their role in a rhythm section.