Dave Weckl Band – Live (And Very Plugged In) (2002) (2-CD)

This is the absolute top notch best drumming you'll hear for years. Negative reviews attack everything from the accompaniment to his haircut, but you simply can't deny the technical prowess. Well, that's been challenged too. And to that I ask, Really? What would you prefer? For him to dumb down his grooves or soloing? To make a mistake? Look at his approach. Challenge yourself to evolve. Look at how relaxed and effortless his playing is. He addresses things like dynamics in addition to the sound. He is always in control, in the zone. I can't fathom how a drummer, percussionist, or musician won't allow themselves to appreciate this because they want the old keyboardist back or they want him to play with a has-been like Sting. The dynamics, fluidity, sounds, interpretation, production, improvisation, and above all playing and soloing in multiple, layered odd time signatures with jaw-dropping ease make this a truly great album. I defy you to find two bars of music on these 2 CD's that are played the same by all members. Dave never repeats a lick. Keep an open mind and you'll find yourself enjoying this album more and more with every listen.

Please note that these are old but good rips (without logs), made with an old EAC version, and coming from my archives on external hard disc.

Personnel:

Dave Weckl - Drums, Percussion
Steve Weingart - Keyboards
Tom Kennedy - Electric Bass
Gary Meek - Saxophones
Also:
Jerry Hey, Gary Grant - Trumpet
Bill Reichenbach - Trombone
Brandon Fields - Tenor Saxophone

Tracklists:

CD 1:

01. Wake Up
02. Braziluba
03. Mesmer-Eyes
04. Oasis
05. Crossing Paths
06. Hesitation - (Sax/Drum Intro)
07. The Chicken

CD 2:

01. Toby's Blues
02. Just For the Record
03. Rhythm-a-Ning - (Bass/Drum Duet)
04. Cultural Concurrence - (Drum Solo)
05. Tiempo de Festival

Produced By Dave Weckl
Recorded By Dennis Moody At Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood, CA, 17 & 22 December 2002

Sound Quality: 9