by Ron WynnLeon "Ndugu" Chancler is a busy studio player who's worked with jazz, fusion, R&B, and funk bands since the late '60s. He began working with the Jazz Prophets while in high school. Chancler then began playing with Harold Johnson and Lary Nash in 1968 and 1969. Later came stints with Willie Bobo, Gerald Wilson, Hugh Masekela, and Herbie Hancock. He continued doing jazz in the early '70s, playing with Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Harold Land, Bobby Hutcherson, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Hampton Hawes, and George Duke in 1971 and 1972. A tour with Santana in 1974 and later sessions with the Crusaders provided opportunities for Chancler to expand and begin working with funk, R&B, and fusion groups, which he's continued.