In 1985 Michael Brecker suggested that Chick Corea check out Dave for his new Elektric Band, he was forming. That was the beginning of a 7 year relationship with both the Elektric and Akoustic Bands, where 9 recordings and 3 videos were produced, including a Grammy for the initial Akoustic Band release. The Elektric Band showcased Dave’s spectacular drumming and innovative use of both electric and acoustic drums, bringing him world-wide recognition.
As a solo artist, Dave has recorded and produced nine recordings to date, including GRP/MCA solo releases Masterplan, Heads Up, and Hardwired. In 1998, Dave realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records, including: Rhythm Of The Soul, Synergy, Transition, Perpetual Motion, and Multiplicity. The band also released a hot live album, LIVE (and very plugged in) and a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone.
More recently, Dave has enjoyed taking on more sideman work. He regularly joins guitarist Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, Oz Noy, and Chris Minh Doky and the Nomads, among others. When off the road, Dave keeps busy with session and production work at his home studio in Los Angeles. He also teaches at the annual Drum Fantasy Camp. Additionally, Dave has many instructional video/DVDs and play-along packages on the market.
A constant student of the art of drumming and music, Dave gives back every chance he gets through clinics and classes all over the world. Of teaching, Dave says: “It is my goal to inspire as many young (and not-so-young) people as possible to want to play music, whether it be on drums or another instrument. With all the negatives in the world today, I feel this is my way of contributing a positive action toward spiritual happiness, which music can be a big part of, if you let it. So parents, if your child has a talent for music, please allow them the opportunity to develop that talent!”
Of course, a guy this busy does need to get around town efficiently. A fan of automobiles, Dave stays on schedule by driving a 505 horsepower Corvette Z06!
But beyond all the recording, producing, touring, teaching, working with companies he endorses to build better products, and tearing up the highway every now and then, Dave’s passion is spending quality time with his daughter, Claire, Sophia (his Golden Retriever), and friends.
This is what all the hard work is for – the inspiration to keep doing it – and that perspective is probably Dave’s biggest asset.
Dave Weckl at Philippos Nakas Conservatory on November 10, at 19:00 –
