Dave Weckl is a legendary drummer who has been admired by his peers and fans for more than 25 years. He has been awarded numerous honors and accolades for this accomplishment. Modern Drummer inducted Dave into its Hall of Fame and ranked him as “one of 25 greatest drummers of all-time.” These honors and many others bestowed on Dave by the music community are the result of Dave’s unwavering commitment to creating great compositions. Dave’s dynamic and varied drumming has been a source of inspiration for musicians around the world. It is based on solid knowledge and respect for music. Dave was born in St. Louis Missouri on January 8, 1960 to a loving mother and a father who enjoyed playing the piano. He began drumming at the age of eight. Dave was awarded many NAJE awards for his outstanding performances in the high school’s jazz band competition. While studying with St. Louis-area teachers Joe Buerger and Bob Matheny, he was active in many local groups. Dave started his professional career with local jazz and pop groups at the age of 16. He moved to Connecticut in 1979 to study music at University of Bridgeport. Dave was just 19 years old when he started to be recognized. Dave began to be recognized by established studio musicians like Michael Brecker, Steve Kahn and Peter Erskine while he was playing in the New York City club scene with Nite Sprite. Peter recommended Dave to a French Toast group, the precursor to Michel Camilo, for his first “big gig” in town. Anthony Jackson, the legendary bassist, recommended Dave to go on the 1983 Simon and Garfunkel Reunion Tour. It wasn’t long before Dave was being asked for radio and television jingles, sound tracks sessions, and top recording dates, including with artists like Diana Ross, Peabo Bryson and George Benson. Chick Corea was suggested by Michael Brecker to Dave in 1985 for his Elektric Band. This was the start of a seven-year relationship with the Elektric Bands and Akoustic Bands. Nine recordings, three videos, and a Grammy were recorded for the first Akoustic Band album. The Elektric Band was a showcase for Dave’s innovative use of electronic drums and cutting-edge drumming, which earned him worldwide recognition. The Elektric Band took a 10-year break in the early 1990s. However, they are back on tour from time-to-time. In mid-2004, it also released a 17-part concept album called “To The Stars”. Dave, a solo artist has produced and recorded nine albums to date. These include the GRP/MCA solo recordings Masterplan, Heads Up and Hardwired. Dave achieved his long-held goal of creating a touring band in 1998. The Dave Weckl band released five studio albums, including Rhythm Of The Soul and Synergy. They also released Transition, Perpetual Motion and Multiplicity. The band also released LIVE, a live album that was very plugged in and a compilation of DWB videos and instructional videos called The Zone. Dave is enjoying more sideman work in recent years. He often joins Chuck Loeb and Oz Noy as guitarists. Dave is also busy at home with his session and production work in Los Angeles. He also teaches at Drum Fantasy Camp. Dave also has many instructional videos/DVDs and play along packages. Dave is a constant student of music and drumming. He gives back to the community through classes and clinics all around the globe. Dave states that teaching is his goal. “It’s my goal to inspire young people (and those not so young) to learn to play drums and other instruments. With all the negativities in the world, I believe this is my way to contribute positively towards spiritual happiness. Music can be a huge part of that, if you allow it. Parents, let your child develop their musical talent! A man this busy needs to be able to move around the city efficiently. Dave is a huge fan of cars and drives a Corvette Z06 with 505 horsepower! Beyond all the recording, touring, teaching and working with companies to build better products and tear up the highway occasionally, Dave’s passion lies in spending quality time with Claire (his Golden Retriever), as well as his friends. Dave is a great asset because he sees the value in all of the hard work – it gives him the motivation to continue doing it. From www.daveweckl.com
