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.

Read more

Tags

4
Album Review

Tom Kennedy: New Start

Read "New Start" reviewed 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 ...

4
Radio & Podcasts

The '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


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 ...

4
Radio & Podcasts

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

Read "From the '90s Dave Weckl, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Lenny white" reviewed 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" ...

1
Album Review

Rob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3

Read "Drumology Volume 3" reviewed 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 ...

5
Album Review

Chick Corea: The Montreux Years

Read "The Montreux Years" reviewed 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 ...

1
Radio & Podcasts

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

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

1
Radio & Podcasts

Tino 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


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 more articles

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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 ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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 ...

Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Dave Weckl Sampler

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Dave Weckl Sampler

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

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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 ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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 ...

Video / DVD

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

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

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 ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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... ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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... ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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... ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Weckl

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... ...

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

New Start

Autumn Hill
2024

buy

Drumology Volume 3

Autumn Hill
2022

buy

Stories

Autumn Hill Records
2021

buy

Live in St. Louis at...

Autumn Hill Records
2021

buy

Naurora

MoonJune Records
2021

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.