Home » Jazz Musicians » Dave Weckl

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.

The Elektric Band showcased Weckl's cutting-edge drumming and innovative use of electronic and acoustic drums, bringing him worldwide recognition. Though the Elektric Band went on a 10-year hiatus in the early '90s, the band still tours from time-to-time. They released a 17-part conceptual album entitled To The Stars in mid-2004, and have reunited for tours in 2011 and 2016/17.

Weckl's solo career began in 1990 with the release of Master Plan. Co-written/produced with longtime St. Louis friend/colleague Jay Oliver, the album was a watershed moment in Weckl's career. Some would say it ushered in a new generation of contemporary drumming.

Master Plan featured a dynamic and diverse collection of tracks featuring top jazz artists of the time. The album created a palette for Weckl's wide-ranging abilities in jazz, fusion, and Latin-inspired music, solidifying him as an emerging leader in the drumming world.

The album's title track, written and performed by Chick Corea, featured Weckl and Steve Gadd on drums. Weckl had been seen as a protege to Gadd and their styles meshed perfectly on the track. But in many ways, the tune marked a "passing of the torch" in terms of next-generation artistry on the drums.

Weckl has recorded and produced nine other solo/leader recordings to date. In addition to Master Plan, Heads Up and Hard-Wired earned him great notoriety in the early '90s.

In 1998, Weckl 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) plus a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone.

Instructional videos have always played a big role in Weckl's career. His original product, entitled Contemporary Drummer + 1, was one of the first play-along products ever published for drums. His Back To Basics and The Next Step releases were best-sellers in the '90s and also continue to sell today.

Weckl updated his technical approach in the '90s after studying with Freddie Gruber. He then released a three-part series of videos called A Natural Evolution, which included an appearance by Gruber. These products redefined earlier concepts to help drummers understand how to play in a relaxed, efficient, and musical way. They also helped solidified Weckl's stature as an articulate and respected teacher. His clinics and master classes continue to attract capacity crowds worldwide.

After many years of sideman work with guitar legend Mike Stern, Chris Minh Doky's Nomads, Oz Noy, and more, Weckl spent 2013 reuniting with Jay Oliver. They launched a crowd funding campaign that attracted more than 2,000 pre-orders of a project that would eventually be called Convergence.

The album featured 10 tunes, including piano and drum solo pieces and a remake of Stevie Wonder's legendary tune "Higher Ground." The video of "Higher Ground" has been viewed millions of times on YouTube and Facebook. Drummer Chris Coleman, bassist Jimmie Johnson, guitarist Dean Brown, singer Chrissi Poland, and several amazing horn players and vocalists took part.

The project also saw collaborations with Canadian singer Emilie-Claire Barlow and Riverdance creator Bill Whelan. Oliver recorded several native Irish instruments at Whelan's personal studio in Ireland.

Convergence was released with three companion products: a play-along package for drums, a play-along package for all other instruments on the album, and a full-length documentary entitled Flies On The Studio Wall.

In 2015, Weckl formed an acoustic jazz group with longtime friend/collaborator Tom Kennedy (bass), Gary Meek (sax), and Makoto Ozone (piano/B3). The group was called The Dave Weckl Acoustic Band. To date, the band has released a CD entitled Of The Same Mind and a live DVD filmed at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood.

More recently, Weckl has returned to touring with the Elektric Band, Mike Stern, and Oz Noy, while completing sessions in his Los Angeles-area home studio. He has also formed an online school with comprehensive lessons, new play along products, and live footage from current tours.

He 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!"

Outside of music, Weckl has a passion for automobiles and racing. He and his Corvette ZO6 regularly post competitive times at race tracks around Southern California. Check out his YouTube racing channel!

Beyond music and four-wheel indulgences, Dave's biggest passions and sources of inspiration come from his daughter, Claire, and his wife, Clivia.

A future college graduate (psychology), Claire definitely has the music gene. She sang an amazing version of "Cups (You're Gonna Miss Me)" for the Convergence album. Her talent, passion, and work ethic make her father proud every day.

Dave's wife, Clivia (also formerly a singer) has a love and passion for music - and an amazing energy for everything life has to offer. She and Dave share time both in Italy and Los Angeles.

Show less

Tom Kennedy: New Start

Read "New Start" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
April 24, 2024

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 ...

Radio & Podcasts

The '90s, with Drummers Dave Weckl, Lenny White and Billy Cobham

by Len Davis
November 24, 2023

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 ...

Radio & Podcasts

From the '90s Dave Weckl, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Lenny white

by Len Davis
February 24, 2023

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" ...

Album Review

Rob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3

Read "Drumology Volume 3" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
November 17, 2022

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 ...

Album Review

Chick Corea: The Montreux Years

Read "The Montreux Years" reviewed by Doug Collette

by Doug Collette
September 26, 2022

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 ...

Radio & Podcasts

A Visit To The '90s With Jazz Rock Plus New Releases From Kneebody And Arc Trio

by Len Davis
July 8, 2022

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 ...

Radio & Podcasts

Tino Di Geraldo, Etienne Mbappe, Scary Goldings, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl Band

by Len Davis
November 19, 2021

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 ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Source: Michael Ricci
January 8, 2023

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Source: Michael Ricci
January 8, 2022

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!

Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Dave Weckl Sampler

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
January 17, 2021

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 today—slightly delayed, as this post was bumped last week to make room for a tribute to the late David “Red" ...
read more

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Source: Michael Ricci
January 8, 2021

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Source: Michael Ricci
January 8, 2020

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Weckl's birthday today!

Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Dave Weckl to headline Chesterfield Jazz Fest

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
June 8, 2019

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 ...
read more

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Source: Michael Ricci
January 8, 2019

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