Dave Weckl

Biography

8 January 1960, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. A technically advanced fusion drummer who specialises in applying jazz’s rhythmic complexity to the aggressive sound of the rock kit, Weckl rose to prominence as Chick Corea’s fearless drummer, hidden behind a huge, towering kit in the popular Elektric Band. The son of an amateur pianist, Weckl was turned onto the drums by (strangely) jazz big band drummer Buddy Rich, eventually studying jazz at the University of Bridgeport Connecticut. His first gigging experience was with the successful fusion outfit Nitesprite, and he soon dropped out of college to take advantage of the opportunities to gig and tour abroad. He impressed leading fusion drummer Peter Erskine, who helped spread the young musician’s name further, and Weckl soon found himself busy in the fusion scene and in the studio, recording lucrative sessions for Diana Ross, George Benson, Madonna and Robert Plant. He joined keyboard player Chick Corea in...

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