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Dave Weckl
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him "one of the 25 best drummers of all time."
These honors, in addition to many more bestowed by the music community, are the product of Weckl's commitment to excellence. His dynamic and diverse drumming, which has inspired musicians worldwide, is built on a foundation of knowledge and passion.
Weckl was born in St. Louis Missouri, January 8th, 1960. Though his parents were not professional musicians, his mother loved music and his father played the piano as a hobby. Weckl started drums at the age of 8, playing along to records in a spare room. He eventually moved his kit into the living room where he sometimes accompanied his father who played piano.
Early on, Weckl practiced to rock records by the Monkees, Credence Clearwater Revival, and more. Rock drumming came easily and his interest quickly turned to Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Philly Joe Jones, and Steve Gadd, to name a few. In his early teens, Weckl's passion for jazz and big band drumming reallly blossomed.
During his high school years, Weckl received many awards from the NAJE (National Association of Jazz Educators) for outstanding performances in his high school's competition-winning jazz band. He also became involved with numerous local groups starting at the age of 16 while studying with St. Louis-area teachers Bob Matheny and Joe Buerger.
1979 saw a move to the East coast and the University of Bridgeport. While playing the New York club scene with a band called Nite Sprite, Weckl started receiving accolades from established studio musicians such as Steve Kahn, Michael Brecker, and Peter Erskine. It was Erskine who recommended Weckl for his first 'big gig' with a group called French Toast, forerunner to the Michel Camilo band. That band featured iconic electric bass player Anthony Jackson.
From this group, Jackson recommended Weckl for the prestigious 1983 Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour. This got Weckl noticed by a much larger industry audience and lead to many session opportunities, including radio and TV jingles, sound track sessions, and top recording dates with George Benson, Peabo Bryson, Diana Ross, Robert Plant, and many more.
In 1985, Michael Brecker recommended Weckl to Chick Corea for his new Elektric Band. That was the beginning of a seven-year relationship with both the Elektric and Akoustic bands where nine recordings and three videos were produced. The Akoustic Band release earned Weckl a Grammy.
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Tom Kennedy: New Start
![Read "New Start" reviewed by Jim Worsley](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/9b23917c68ae449efeb5eb228d18af74.jpg)
by Jim Worsley
When thinking of bassist Tom Kennedy, it can be instinctive to think of drummer Dave Weckl. Or vice versa. The two became friends and musical colleagues in their early teens. That is roughly a half century of playing, recording, touring, and much more together. Kennedy is known around the world as a premier, elite jazz and fusion electric bassist. Weckl has the same notoriety and brilliant skill set behind his drum kit. One could go on at length about their ...
read moreThe '90s, with Drummers Dave Weckl, Lenny White and Billy Cobham
![Read "The '90s, with Drummers Dave Weckl, Lenny White and Billy Cobham" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
by Len Davis
The '90s continues with drummers Dave Weckl, Lenny White and Billy Cobham. Saxophonist Bill Evans, guitarist's Brett Garsed and TJ Helmerich with drummer Virgil Donati. Tribal Tech, Frank Gambale, Stuart Hamm and Steve Smith and from Germany Jazz Pistols.Playlist Dave Weckl Tomatillo" from Heads Up (GRP) 00:00 Lenny White Mr Depriest" from Edge (Hip Bop) 07:34 Billy Cobham Myohmyohyeoye" from Paradox (Tip Toe) 15:09 Bill Evans Kid Logic" from Live At Blue Note Tokyo (Jazz City) 22:28 Garsed-Helmerich-Donati Galactic Waterhole" from Under ...
read moreFrom the '90s Dave Weckl, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Lenny white
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by Len Davis
A visit to the '90s with Dave Weckl from Rhythm Of The Soul, Stanley Clarke, Live At The Greek, Billy Cobham from Flight Time. Metro with Mitchel Forman and Lenny White from Edge. Plus Brett Garsed, Steve Hunt, and Gary Husband. Playlist Dave Weckl Designer Stubble" from Rhythm Of The Soul (Stretch) 00:00 Stanley Clarke Stratus" from Live At The Greek (Sony) 08:10 Billy Cobham Antares" from FlightTime (Inak) 16:18 Metro Premonition/Metro" from Metro (Lipstick)21:05 Brett Garsed Breath" ...
read moreRob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3
![Read "Drumology Volume 3" reviewed by Jim Worsley](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/884f9d3c8bfaa9bef0da50434034525c.jpg)
by Jim Worsley
The beat goes on. Yes, that was a big hit for Sonny & Cher back in 1967. However, here it references the third volume of drummer Rob Silverman's Drumology series. The formula seems to be working, so why not keep pounding them out? Again all proceeds go to the Neil Peart Fund for brain cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. And the core band stays intact, with Silverman being joined by brother Michael Silverman on piano and keyboards, bassist Larry ...
read moreChick Corea: The Montreux Years
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by Doug Collette
If there is anything more ambitious than curating an extensive, comprehensive collection covering the history of an artist, it is collating selected works which vividly outline a particular timeline or theme. Chick Corea's The Montreux Years is a fine example of the latter; this seventh edition in the archive series devoted to the iconic festival not only reflects the late composer and pianist's technical skills, but also his eclectic stylistic tastes. And that is not to mention his fondness for ...
read moreA Visit To The '90s With Jazz Rock Plus New Releases From Kneebody And Arc Trio
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by Len Davis
We visit the '90s with music from Lenny White, Eric Marienthal, Jimmy Haslip, Tribal Tech, Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Stern and Steve Khan.Playlist Lenny White Wolfbane" from Present Tense (Hip Bop) 00:00 Eric Marienthal The Sun was In My Eyes" from Crossroads (GRP) 05:29 Al Di Meola Paradiso" from Orange and Blue (Tomatoe) 11:09 Jimmy Haslip Outland" from ARC (GRP) 16:46 Dave Weckl In The Pocket" from Hard Wired (GRP) 22:29 Outsidemen Red And Orange" from Band Overboard (Terra ...
read moreTino Di Geraldo, Etienne Mbappe, Scary Goldings, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl Band
![Read "Tino Di Geraldo, Etienne Mbappe, Scary Goldings, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl Band" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
by Len Davis
Etienne Mbappe from his new album Time Will Tell, Scary Goldings, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl and Canadian guitarist Jeremy Green. Playlist Tino Di Geraldo-Carles Benavent"Discipline" from Discipline (Muba) 00:00 Etienne Mbappe Kalos" from Time Will Tell (Sunset) 06:51 Scary Goldings Professor Vicarious" from Professor Vicarious (Pockets) 13:39 Billy Cobham Roller-The Reflex Revision" from Drum'n Voice Remixed (Rebirth) 20:26 Cory Wong Assassin" from The Paisley Park Sessions (GroundUp) 27:14 Dave Weckl Band The Chicken" from Live In St Louis ...
read moreJazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." These honors, in addition ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." These honors, in addition ...
read more
StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Dave Weckl Sampler
![StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Dave Weckl Sampler](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
This week, StLJN salutes drummer and St. Charles native Dave Weckl, who celebrated his 61st birthday earlier this month on Friday, January 8. First gaining wide recognition in the mid-1980s as a sideman with Chick Corea, Weckl over the course of his career has become a very popular and oft-imitated drummer and bandleader, with fans all over the world. So todayslightly delayed, as this post was bumped last week to make room for a tribute to the late David Red" ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." These honors, in addition ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." These honors, in addition ...
read more
StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Dave Weckl to headline Chesterfield Jazz Fest
![StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Dave Weckl to headline Chesterfield Jazz Fest](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
This week, StLJN's video spotlight shines on drummer Dave Weckl, who will be back home to perform next Saturday, June 15 as the headlining act at the Chesterfield Wine & Jazz Festival. A native of St. Charles, Weckl undoubtedly is one of the most successful working jazz musicians from this area, first gaining international attention working in the 1980s with keyboardist Chick Corea, and subsequently parlaying that exposure into a busy career as both a bandleader and a first-call collaborator ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." But these honors, in addition to many more bestowed by the music community... ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." But these honors, in addition to many more bestowed by the music community... ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." But these honors, in addition to many more bestowed by the music community... ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fff7047629da7a148b5cecbb5260c035.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!
For more than 20 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community as one of the great living drummers. For this, he has received numerous accolades and honors; Modern Drummer inducted Dave into their Hall of Fame and named him one of the 25 best drummers of all time." But these honors, in addition to many more bestowed by the music community... ...
read more