Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver: Higher Ground

Drummer Dave Weckl and keyboardist Jay Oliver present "Higher Ground" from their 2014 release "Convergence." The album, including play along versions with charts and videos, is exclusively available at: www.daveweckl.com
CREDITS
Words and Music by Stevie Wonder
Arranged by Jay Oliver
Lead Vocal
Chrissi Poland
Drums
Dave Weckl
Chris Coleman
Rhythm Section
Jay Oliver keyboards & programming
Dean Brown guitar
Jimmy Johnson bass
Horn Section
Brandon Fields Sax
Eric Jorgensen Trombone
Michael McGuffey Trumpet
Backing Vocals
Nita Whittaker
Raffia Ford
Abdul Hamid Royal
Tracking Engineer
Dennis Moody
Mixing Engineers
Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver
Mastering Engineer
George Whitty
Assistant Engineers
Max Harper
Morgan Stratton
Technical Assistance
Matt Forsyth
Casey Kuzdrowski
Steven Orkin
Video Director/Editor
Alex Chaloff
Cameras
Alex Chaloff
Annika Benitz
Tali Litmanovitz
Casey Kuzdrowski
Steven Orkin
Anton Johnson

[@aaronaustin7760]

Who is here 10 years later still in awe of this masterpiece ?

[@TheSafeHavenPodcast]

Here 👋

[@thechems8758]

🤘

[@EEbmm]

hereee :D

[@ardnicholls]

👍

[@ChrisBakerDrummer]

How did the studio not just totally catch fire & explode????

[@robosdrumworld]

Man I’m saying that studio should have just blown up after that!!

[@MalcaratMartinez]

You are right sir !!!!

[@dennismoodymusic]

It was a very special day! We had a lot of fun recording this!

[@georgiamay757]

🔥😂

[@jacobsingson12_]

The sound proofing is the only thing containing all that heat so it must be some good acoustics

[@theemmanuelchurchofdecatur9432]

Chris, your Mother and I, & sister are so proud of you. The Word says your gift will make room for you. Thank you Dave for sharing our gift with the World...

[@justingonzalez6218]

Ronnie Coleman pure talent

[@michaeljuliano8839]

Is Chris ever not having fun? I could just see him with that same grin filling out his taxes.

[@cbj4sc1]

You raised one hell of a kid (assuming you're their parent)

[@MrJdsenior]

I love his (Chris') face at the end, looks like pure joy, and bubblegum.

[@robertboyle1368]

Amen match made in heaven

[@ikshields]

If this doesn't leave you grinning ear to ear, well, you just don't have a mouth.

[@rohiten1]

This doesn't leave me grinning... simply raises my eyebrows up to the very exreme limit to and leaves me wondering ... just how anyone can come up with such brilliant and thrilling music.... with that kind of feel and touch... These people are absolutely brilliant

[@rohiten1]

These people are true musicians.... they make your hair hair stand on end..... Which is exactly how true music should be... ha ha... All I can say is.... How can anyone play like this

[@ovi1990]

When the pros take over...

[@adamthomas1246]

That's right!

[@CharlieMatthews2003]

I totally agree!

[@MalcaratMartinez]

Yes sir !!...Just give them the resources and a good studio, I bet the studio engineer didn't have to do much !!

[@jakecooley4588]

I'm usually not a fan of 2 drummers playing but wow!

[@rohiten1]

Listen to that touch and feel... that coordination and synch.... even with your eyes closed? You'll actually feel the music

[@danhorner15]

same and same.

[@stuartspence1139]

Must have listened to this at least 100 times. Fantastic.

[@susannesheffer1848]

SIX YEARS LATER I STILL SEARCH IT OUT. TURN IT UP.

[@Dioclau7843]

Same here! I just CAN'T stop listening to this fantastic video! OUT OF THIS WORLD!

[@markkangas7774]

...and counting

[@martinandy9553]

Best studio video ever?

[@RobertoAndreasi]

+Martin Andy Agreed!

[@Stephenhawkins4elife]

+Roberto Andreasi When you got the best drummer ever everything just falls... well... in the pocket. I dont know whether to get practicing or throw the sticks away

[@MalcaratMartinez]

Could very well be.........

[@robosdrumworld]

TRUE STORY

[@joeldrummer23]

Yea

[@lis3728]

Came here for the drummers, stayed for that amazing voice

[@Noiseheads]

yeah the musicians are great.... BUT WHOEVER ENGINEERED AND MIXED THIS DESERVES 10 BILLION GRILLED CHEESES

[@dennismoodymusic]

Thank you! I love grilled cheese!! :-)

[@adamthomas1246]

YES!!!

[@wphh7272]

No doubt brother. You KNOW this took weeks of 100% dedication!

[@slayer8273]

Yes. This fucking kicks ass.

[@dialbackdixieband4325]

According to the description... the musicians did...

[@downdog22]

Amazing vocal by the talented Chrissi Poland

[@markburke3040]

Leslee McKee-Perry. Thanks for the info killer vocals

[@Dioclau7843]

YEAH! WHERE THE HELL THIS GIRL CAME FROM! AWESOME VOICE, SOUL, EVERYTHING!

[@roberthuang8791]

Ladies and gentle men, the legendary Dean Brown on guitar!

[@robosdrumworld]

Yeah the guy is a beast on that guitar. He is killn em in there!!!!

[@davidscott1052]

He is a legend in his lifetime I'm a legend in my lunchtime

[@united57]

now this what shedding is all about period trade licks and complement each other while playing not trying to out do one another. I love this video

[@robosdrumworld]

Well said I could watch this video all day and all night. Especially the ending!!!!

[@philenns6797]

Professionals.

[@groethej]

Exactly.

[@dannypercussionman]

CHRIS COLEMAN & DAVE WECKL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cool!

[@BiancaMello]

Daniel Sapcu ❤😍

[@sethldrums]

I know right!!!! Soo epic!!!!! I would die to meet them!

[@liuyuchen9988]

Both are the most excellent drummers in the world !!!

[@MrJdsenior]

The REST of those folks aren't exactly slackers, either. I thought this cover was nothing short of epic.

[@Macy1ify]

Duke Ellington said if it sounds good it is good - THIS IS GOOD !

[@c2_EXPERIENCE_]

!!!! (Big Kid Chee-Z Smile right now)... Capt'n D.W. ... You are the man bro. Thanks for the invite, hang, inspiration, & Butt-Kicking 😂👍👍

[@DeanWuksta]

killin it everytime Chris, inspiring to watch.

[@c2_EXPERIENCE_]

Thanks for the luv!

[@RICHGREENNOW]

Chris! I now have a new idol! Both you and Dave took a classic to Higher Ground...Well? Standing ovation behind my computer, Brother!

[@c2_EXPERIENCE_]

HaHa... Thanks for the Luv Rich :)

[@c2_EXPERIENCE_]

Dean Wuksta Dean! Preciate it bro, this was SO fun... Honored Cptn DW invited me :)

[@TheProfessorWilliam]

My Drums looked happy watching this Video with me. Dave Weckl, my wife (RIP) and I thank you so much for what you do for the music community. Well, back to practice.

[@DajanaMilanovic]

Stevie Wonder should hire this band!

[@1lekhine]

Absolutly!!!!

[@edithrivera9261]

Yer damn right!

[@SmokehouseBeatz]

I second that!

[@enigmatic5]

If this doesn't set your hair on fire you're obviously dead. One of the best studio sessions I've ever seen, they killed it! I think the people that downvoted this video were so blinded by tears of joy that they missed the "like" button, there's really no other explanation.

[@MrJdsenior]

Yup, I'm so sick of having to grow it back I've quit watching. :-) Seriously though, I'll never quit watching this from time to time. For me, this is THE cover of that song.

[@Dioclau7843]

AGREE!!! THIS WHOLE PERFORMANCE MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL EVERY-SINGLE-TIME I LISTEN TO IT!

[@joaquimrebello6865]

D.W has inspired many drummers..He fits into any musical set up and here the two great drummers have shown their greatness in complimenting each other..God Bless you guys..

[@FesliyanStudios]

So much talent in one studio!

[@davidbrimson469]

+FesliyanStudios Yes yes... Bravo to all the musicians and studio crew

[@groethej]

Tell me about it.

[@JRock1900]

Need to shout out to the Brilliant JAY OLIVER, always enjoyed his brilliant musical lively playing!!

[@andrewscheldt70]

Wow. Gave me chills. Dave is in a totally different relm. Love her voice, guitar solo, horns and back up vocals. The last note by the lead trumpet is the best part of the entire song.

[@JRock1900]

The contrast between Dave and Chris is huge, yet they so well compliment each other here. Just AMAZING!!!

[@HorseshoeBeach]

Chrissi Poland, as always strong voice and fantastic, looks like she's feeling every word and every note.

[@HeadlinesWithAVoice]

6:00 -- Look at the right-hand side of the frame. Chrissi, thumbs hooked in pockets and leaning casually against the studio wall, as she watches Weckl. The personification of confidence. Outstanding musicianship all the way around.

[@robosdrumworld]

2:25-3:40 Give the drummers something. Dave and Chris took it! TRUE STORY: I can watch this video all day!!!!

[@roblefort1967]

Wow!!! I'm a huge Stevie Wonder fan and couldn't possibly have imagined that his version could be improved upon.....until today! Great production and being a drummer....to be able to enjoy Dave and Chris on the same track is HEAVEN!!!

[@robosdrumworld]

FACTS

[@xuezhongwen8872]

Buddy Rich just rolled over in his grave with complete and utter astonishment at these modern monsters!!!

[@JRock1900]

VOTING: the BEST comment here LOL

[@pegaso3terminator75]

I agree he would be proud!

[@marybethmcmahon5937]

Exactly who I thought of almost immediately. We used to see him at every chance!

[@gertbeetfromme5774]

I'm not religious but I think I just went to church... GODDAMN !

[@bryeap]

By far, the best cover!

[@RushianRichard]

Two drummers & those curling lips when Chrissi starts singing...WHOOW!!! HEAVEN!!! Thanks so much Dave :-)

[@GeoffGillDrums]

i have SO MUCH respect for Weckl and Coleman right now. the solo / vamp section is no-friggin-joke. i am playing this w/ a 10 piece horn band & WOAH, lots to work out.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

I've always really liked Dave's playing. He's one of those alien level drummers who can play anything with great feel and groove. He's really musical but has amazing chops too.

[@IAmClaudius]

Can i like this 100,000,00 times? OMG!!

[@jackbeeton9810]

the finishing chords at the end give me goose bumps

[@mrthundaboots]

Two distinct approaches with a helluva united sound! New fan of Chrissi Poland,too. From a drummer....

[@livenhfree]

I keep coming back to this. Chrissi Poland is just... just... there are no words. Wow.

[@thingybob54]

This is the best video I've seen in such a long time. Dave and Chris are perfectly matched, even though they're from two completely different schools. The band is off the charts, the engineering is impeccable, and the lead singer is absolutely phenomenal. Thanks for making this happen, Dave! Inspirational. Keep it up.

[@bjtp9712]

Yeah, completely agree :)

[@berniz2282]

Wonderful Voice Miss !! Powerful !

[@telmazerr]

My Goddddddddd, what a band, what a version !!!!!! I love this video

[@Dwilliams3456]

Chris coleman and dave weckl together are overkill!! i love it!

[@niamhmrosullivan]

Love her conviction!

[@niamhmrosullivan]

Not to mention the accompaniment!

[@theonecalledvino8165]

+Niamh O'Sullivan Yes!! Such attitude.. She meant every riff!

[@leszeknowak9434]

... I... ... don't... ...know. .. ... what to... ... say... ... every words of the world would be not enough. I just cry. Thank you.

[@TomLeonard]

Wow! A KILLER performance of this tune!!!!

[@flohism]

Love the arrangement. Dave, never stop using horns!

[@mgscano]

this is badass musicianship at its highest. no wonder if it was illegal in certain countries

[@danielmastia87]

Ok, came in here for Dave, but I'll be damned, that girl can sing.

[@jennyholmes2462]

Yes lawd

[@robosdrumworld]

Daniel Mastía right? Yeah she got some serious skills

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

I believe her name is Crissy Poland. I first saw her as the band vocalist for Weckl's Drummer Fantasy Camp. I honestly don't want to listen to vocalists too much, but there's something about her. Powerful, gritty and sweet when it's needed.

[@SmokehouseBeatz]

She killed it 🔥

[@MalcaratMartinez]

You gotta be made out of a special alloy, to be put in the middle of some of the best musicians in the world, and pull out a performance like that. Hats off , Chrissi Poland. Impressive. Best studio video ever.

[@thegoodguyofla]

The whole band is just amazing.. weckl and Coleman my two favorite drummers ever

[@robosdrumworld]

The Good Guy of LA Moses G I’m a have to agree

[@vincentveith8133]

Wow, can't believe it took me this long to find this Master Tribute, well done all who participated, nothing but respect. Carry On

[@royferaud563]

Dear Jesus! Dean Brown , Chris Coleman , Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver? This Is Ground-Breaking ! I still have the autographs of Weckl and Brown in my house.

[@RobertoBulgarelli]

a real pleasure to my ears and my soul!!!

[@DavidAlvesthechosenone4yuu]

dave weckl and chris coleman together in one song ? DUDEEE, NOW I'VE SEEN IT ALL

[@barkingeye]

Wow.. that singer rocks.. Love her voice. Band sounds killer. Love the mix too. Weckl does it again!! He's the man.

[@zachbaranes9152]

Two of my favorite drummers in the same video playing together. I love it

[@ethangormong7506]

This is a demonstration of the discipline of pro musicians. Dave and Chris are absolutely LOCKED. Normally, having two drummers is a groove nightmare because of inconsistency in the space between notes, but this level of professionalism makes this is a masterpiece of time and feel.

[@brianridgeway4025]

The musicianship is just "off the charts"...a truly amazing performance!

[@johnsydneyaren]

Jimmy Johnson on bass! Yay!

[@ardnicholls]

John Aren I've seen Jimmy Johnson playing with Steve Gadd in Cheltenham back in April,and seen Dave Weckl twice,once at Ronnie Scott's with the Buddy Rich Big Band,and again at the Barbican Centre with Chick Corea and John Patitucci,seeing him again at Ronnie Scott's in November...awesome!!!

[@nembamike1]

Wow! Great singing but that band. Damn!

[@onthewater59]

Hi... nice find..the 5 star award..

[@bad_keyzi]

OMG this is the most proffesional piece of music and groupal coordination I've ever seen, they're all terrific musicians. And the staff behind scene made an amazing work too. Excellent job.

[@paradiddlepedro]

You should probably check out snarky puppy then.

[@bad_keyzi]

ok, that is good too !

[@dwayneleonard3488]

My two favorite drummers!

[@robosdrumworld]

I'm a have to agree with you on this one. That ending was killer I just lost it!!

[@spartan6931]

Man, simply fantastic, the remake of this song it couldn't be any better. The singer is perfect. Amazing!

[@TheProfessorWilliam]

Man!!! that's the real shit. Musicianship to the MAX!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Dave and the gang for reminding me that its about playing with technique and musicality.

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

Just extraordinarely spectacular and mind blowing!!!!! Congratulations to the entire band for smoking this masterpiece! Dave & Chris...powehouses!!! As for the morons who "didn't like" this...oh nevermind...

[@jyg3782]

I dreamt about Weckl playing that kind of music.

[@steviechivo]

Dave weckl is the best drummer in the entire universe.

[@livenhfree]

Wonder how Neil Peart (RIP) would have handled this! Or Steve Gadd?

[@matthewoliver7490]

Hey this is fantastic, what a twist!

[@spunky221]

This is the most amazing version of this song I have ever heard!

[@avedisdrummer989]

Chris Coleman isn't getting nearly enough love! What a monster musician!

[@jimkanzelmeyer7722]

The collective talents of so many outstanding musicians and singers all working as one finely tuned group. Simply amazing and inspirational. Thank you Dave for sharing. Your recording facilities and engineers, your video capture of this session. You all have given anyone with eyes and ears a gift and I think Stevie would be quite pleased with your tribute.

[@sjograas]

This why I love music, truly inspirational. Will be attending Dave's clinic in Stockholm July 4th, I can't wait!

[@markyoungmusic]

Man, I haven't heard Dean Brown in a long time! Awesome guitar solo.

[@holgerlarsen1864]

Heard him, Dave and Doky....and a French guy on keys in Denmark some years ago.................oh my god.......they where all fantastic

[@MrJdsenior]

DAMN, this NEVER gets old. I'll bet I've listened to this fifty times over an extensive period of time. Energy level = 120% Performance level = 120% Showcased Drumming = no words. And that vocalist is so darned inventive, the subtleties in timing, timbre, effects, etc...superb. To my ears this is the pinnacle performance of this song, not just cover, but including the original. And yes, there are a few REALLY good others.

[@Far2hip]

How on earth did I never see this?? Holy SH*T!! Literally every element of this performance is an absolute master class of talent, method, and presentation right down to the sound and video production. Completely blown away. What a voice she has!! Good Lordy, lol!! 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@MrJdsenior]

Every once in a while you run across a group of musicians that are just plain stellar. This video here is one of those times. ;-) They are kickin' butt and takin' no prisoners!

[@mandinka323]

Dave Weckl and Chris Coleman together?!?! Like a tour of Mamady Keita and Famadou Konate or Bolokada Conde, it is more talent and skills in a singe room and in a short amount of time than a person can digest. So fantastic, these guys are beyond words to describe their virtuosity and incredible mastery of music.

[@malcspring448]

Stunning. Absolutely brilliant. What an awesome rendition of a classic song. Stevie would be very proud.

[@mwintersteinsmith]

Wow - Absolutely Amazing!!!

[@donnythompson408]

Yes, Dave Weckl and Chris Coleman are complete and total bad asses... but let us not neglect the other cats in the room, too. Horns are incredible, vocals are stunning. Every.Single.Cat in this clip is a serious A-Lister.

[@TonyColapietro]

These musicians are absolute proof that aliens exist......incredible performance!! Been a Dave Weckl fan my entire career as a drummer. One of the most talented and tasteful drummers in the history of the instrument!! \m/

[@garyreams8123]

Maybe the best drummer alive and that I've ever seen and I've seen and heard a lot of drummers.

[@tonyrogers5709]

@@garyreams8123 between Dave and Vinnie Colaiuta for me. Dave is so smooth. He makes it look effortless. You can never predict what Vinnie is going to pull out of his bag of tricks.

[@hveguitar]

Big energy, thumbs up!!!

[@donguiddodilozzo1906]

Great version !!!! Like that !!! Double drum set, like the Doobies, PUNCH !!! and the brass, total delight !!!! Superb arrangements !

[@davidlewis1038]

Absolutely freaking awesome!!!

[@charliequinn160]

Absolutely one of the best things I've ever heard !!!

[@odirnascimentobass]

Amazing Arrangement! Great job, great music and great monsters musicians! Thank you for providing a sing with so much talent and quality!!! 👋👋👋👋👋🙏🙏🙏

[@Geffhino]

This DROPS LIKE A TIME BOMB!!!

[@alan2112drums]

I can't stop watching this video...It's Brilliant !!!

[@simongrifix]

So everyone is totally at the top of their game here, and Chrissy Poland just leaves me speechless. She has to be about the best singer out there. Just wonderful!!

[@RPandTHECONGRESS]

at first i thought key is too low then suddenly they arranged it to go to her key amazing!!!! =)

[@WalterApa]

A rhythm machine called Dave Weckl ......and Jay Oliver ! Congratulation !.... God bless you all ! Sorry for my not perfect English :) Walter

[@garyreams8123]

Your English is just fine. As good or better than many or most Americans.

[@steingca]

I like the singers voice but for me that band is out of this world!!! Stellar arrangement of an already great tune! This is one of the best remakes of a tune and I usually don't like remakes. Stevie should be proud!

[@xuezhongwen8872]

Been a Weckl fan since the late 80's and this colman cat is equally incredible. Sometimes I think I take for granted just how ridiculously talented these guys are, almost seems impossible for people to play at this level. Truly incredible! I feel blessed to what musicianship and musicality at this level. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

[@TheProfessorWilliam]

This line up is ,,,, smoking hot. I got to go practice. Thanks to Dave and Jay ,,, and this whole gang.

[@tomweber3461]

The Grandmasters at work! Unbelievable as always when master Dave and Friends play along. Maximum Respect from Austria.

[@soupatrol]

Dave Weckl is awesome, I've seen him in several settings and he is soo musical and always supports the band in the most senstive way. Amazing recording, mindblowing!

[@davidbrimson469]

Other than Stevie.... this is hands down the best version of this song.... Thanks to Dave and Jay....and Chrissi Poland slayed the vocals Oh my my!!

[@zypatish]

That Ending Man.....!!!!

[@Grouchodeandre]

Moved to tears... class!