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Ellington's Sacred Concert

Sunday, March 7, 2004 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 7:30 pm

Featuring the Luckman Jazz Orchestra
Meet Leon “Ndgugu” Chancler

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1952, Leon “Ndugu” Chancler was the youngest of seven children whose family, he says, was not into music. At age six, however, Chancler discovered the drums. “It was a passion,” he recalls. “I don’t know where it came from or how it came to me, but there it was.”

And there it has remained, as Chancler, who has worked as a percussionist in a variety of genres, including jazz, fusion, R & B, Latin, pop and funk, has stayed the musical course. Indeed, he’s worked with many greats, from Miles Davis, Joe Henderson and Hampton Hawes, to Thelonius Monk, Herbie Hancock and the erstwhile “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson.

After Chancler’s family moved to Los Angeles in 1960 (it was growing up in that turbulent decade, he says, that prompted him to adopt the moniker, “Ndugu”), Chancler remained in Southern California. Currently living near Baldwin Hills, the musician, besides remaining active as a performer, is also an educator.
“I’m fortunate to say that I’ve been able to carve out a career doing the things I really like to do. That includes teaching jazz studies at USC. Jazz education has finally come to the forefront of being on a valid college curriculum. Most schools are addressing the fact that jazz is a mainstay. I love it.”

Chancler also relishes his community outreach work. “One of the key proponents for expanding the music,” he says, “is the artists that do the music go and spread their knowledge, so I’m involved in a music institute in Houston and in junior highs and high schools here.”

Chancler’s enthusiasm comes naturally: He gives back what he himself received. “Miles [Davis] taught me some of the greatest lessons I could have learned. He taught me how to be a bandleader, how to present the music, and how to be open to all forms that exist, whether you play them or not. Kenny Rogers taught me about being unegotistical, and to have a heavy work ethic, no matter what level you’re on. Kenny was always punctual and had a great attitude.”

Chancler, in addition to providing a propulsive beat for Santana on a 1974 tour, and vamping with the Crusaders for a few years in the 80’s, performed on Jackson’s mega-album, “Thriller,” produced by Quincy Jones. “I’m happy that happened to be one of the biggest records in pop history. I was very fortunate to be on that record,”admits Chancler. “We thought it would be big - we were going for 13 million - and over 100 million have been sold.”

Chancler, though he never played with Duke Ellington, once met him on a bus in Europe when they were both appearing at a jazz festival. “He was a gentleman and a statesman. He was just class. As for his Sacred Concert music,” Chancler points out, “that was one of the first successful fusions - jazz and spiritual - on a large scale. It was ahead of its time. Even when doing it now, it’s not outdated.”

Some of L.A.’s best jazz artists make up the Luckman Jazz Orchestra, performing with the Chorale in these concerts. Victoria Looseleaf profiles four members — Leon “Ndgugu” Chancler, Bennie Maupin, Jack Nimitz and Ann Patterson.