Dave Weckl (born January 8, 1960) is a highly acclaimed jazz fusion drummer. His idol being the legendary drummer and big band leader Buddy Rich, Weckl majored in jazz studies at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. His most famous early work, where his popularity blossomed, was in Chick Corea's Elektric Band from 1985 to 1991. Starting out on the New York fusion scene in the early 1980s, Weckl soon found himself working with artists such as Paul Simon, Madonna, George Benson, Michel Camilo and Anthony Jackson. ...show more

Dave Weckl (born January 8, 1960) is a highly acclaimed jazz fusion drummer. His idol being the legendary drummer and big band leader Buddy Rich, Weckl majored in jazz studies at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. His most famous early work, where his popularity blossomed, was in Chick Corea's Elektric Band from 1985 to 1991. Starting out on the New York fusion scene in the early 1980s, Weckl soon found himself working with artists such as Paul Simon, Madonna, George Benson, Michel Camilo and Anthony Jackson.

He has been the leader of ten recordings since 1990, three under his own name and seven as the Dave Weckl Band. Weckl has also produced a popular series of instructional DVDs for drummers, and has several deals with musical companies like Yamaha, Sabian, and Vic Firth, which sell customized percussion products designed in part by Weckl. Dave Weckl biography from "allmusic" by Steve Huey: Dave Weckl is one of fusion's most acclaimed drummers, making his name during a six-year-stint with Chick Corea. Weckl was born in St.

Louis and grew up listening to soul and jazz; he received his first drum set at age eight and developed his playing by listening to drummers like Buddy Rich, as well as R&B grooves. He majored in jazz at the University of Bridgeport, but left after two years to become involved in the New York jazz scene, also touring Europe with various bands. Weckl joined a fusion group called Nitesprite, where he attracted the attention of drummer Peter Erskine; Erskine helped him get a gig with French Toast, a band also featuring pianist Michel Camilo and bassist Anthony Jackson. From French Toast, Weckl branched out into session work, playing on numerous early-'80s sessions with the likes of Bill Connors (Return to Forever), the Brecker Brothers, Tânia Maria, Paquito D'Rivera, Eliane Elias, and George Benson, as well as pop and soul albums for Diana Ross, Madonna, and Robert Plant. ...show less