Dave Weckl StL Big Band Contingent: First Rehearsal

From Dave Weckl...
Hey Everyone! Thank you all for all the nice responses to my first post regarding The Dave Weckl StL Big Band Contingent!
I finally got together a little preview of what’s to come with a few video clips (below). I think it is just amazing that all of these songs, except for one (one of my originals you may recognize), are all THE FIRST RUN THROUGH! Incredible!
This band is swinging, in time, and sounding great! Enjoy!
We are actively planning our first show introduction. We then hope is to find a venue in STL for a once-a-month residency.
Some answers to the drummers who posted questions after my first post:
Yamaha drums:
BD is 16 x 24 BD
Toms are 9x13, two 15 x 16, and one 13 x 14 Floor tom
An older 5.5 x14 maple signature snare (mine)
Remo Heads:
ALL drums have Remo Coated Ambassadors on batter sides, Clears on bottoms.
The bass drum is set up “old school” - front head is an Ebony Ambassador (not a Power Stroke) with one felt strip down the side (from top left to bottom left). Batter side has one felt strip on the bottom of the drum, from side to side, about 3 inches up from bottom. I added two of my Remo External Bass Drum Mufflers on upper side corners of the batter head to help contain the huge sound (still pretty darn huge tho!)
Sabian cymbals:
Legacy 22” Heavy Ride
Evolution 17 and 18” crashes
Evolution12/7” splash combo
Evolution 14” China stacked on an 18” Evolution crash
14” Artisan Elite high hat
Audio:
For you audio heads, some will notice my QSC mixer and a few mics set up. This was to record and have a little monitoring for the sax solo mic. Unfortunately, there was a technical mishap. Something between the mixer and hard drive did not let me record. So, the sound you’re hearing is the result of mixing together the 3 ZOOM cameras I used for filming. That includes one Q8 (front shot, most of the sound) and two Q2N 4Ks. So, the mix is rhythm-section-light.
Stay tuned for more!
Dave Weckl

[@ALCDNY]

My favorite Weckl is when he plays simple and then then just throws something busy only once in a while. It's stands out much more. This big band showcases this. GREAT!! He can do it all...

[@WellMefisto]

So well put. I go with you on that... wonderful combination!!

[@chrisgoodchild2204]

So fluid, it’s a joy to watch Weckl play anything

[@jemmace2586]

Brilliant dynamics and phrasing, everybody take a bow! Inspiration in musicians at its best. 🙏👏

[@KenLoomer]

It`s so great to hear a swinging Big Band lead by one of the best drummers today. This is the music I grew up with and your feel for this Big Band music Dave just makes the arrangement come alive! The sound and tuning of the drums, plus your choice of cymbals is just perfect for this type of Big Band music you are playing. You are driving the band with your playing. Love those fills you did on the classic arrangement of "In A Mellow Tone". The musicians you picked Dave in your Big Band sound so good for reading these charts for the first time. As a Big Band drummer and leader myself, I know all the work you are doing in forming this new Big Band. All my best to you Mr. Dave Weckl with your Big Band and keep on Swinging!

[@PastorFunK]

Ahh! Nice clip of my favorite Buddy Rich Big Band song “Ya Gotta Try” 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sonicart1808]

And this is rehearsal! Wow......these musicians are smokin...Dave is incredible as always of course!

[@jcsk8]

A big fan since I´ve started druming in the 90´s. Weckel is about 100% commitment. No shortcuts at all. Just music in it´s best. A legend!

[@jeffreymichels6959]

Always so good to hear mr. Weckl play. Now in this big band setting, what an absolute joy!

[@hh.7018]

I just looking forward….Awesome!!!!!!

[@ralphhale5711]

So great to hear Dave and the band doing 'You Gotta Try'! Congrats to Dave on getting this band going. Super project - bringing it back home to where it began for so many of us. The Big Band.

[@PlymouthVT]

Great band Dave the bass player is laying it down!! C'mon down to Florida please!!!

[@michaelsikora6739]

I gotta say this is far and away the most fun I've had listening to Dave's playing; in the groove and SUPPORTIVE of the Music, Wow!! I also dig hearing the bigger size drums and can relate to why he's using them; my playing often involves Pop Orchestra work and in that setting I feel anything less than a 24" just gets lost, especially in the large room with 60 + players! Hey, it's NOT really about Volume so much as it's about the drums' "presence" and you can definitely feel that here!! Great to hear that he's revisiting his roots and carrying on the traditions of Jack, Buddy, Sonny etc!! Continued Success Dave!!

[@WorthTalking2]

every opportunity to enjoy a moment of your work is a blessing, Dave !

[@gballmaier]

It's funny how these LEGANDS of Drumming don't need thousands of subscribers, although they should have the Most Followers of all. Isee you Mr. Weckle. Thank you for sharing your Gift with us.

[@bonielllaneza2137]

YEESS!!❤️❤️❤️ Tower of inspiration on Big Band version. WE LOVE YOU DAVE.

[@KikoFreitasMusic]

Always beautiful, so musical and inspiring 🙏🏼✨Thank you so much dear Dave

[@nomoreblitz]

Dave is SMOKING!! (and seems to be very patient with the band... a Super professional!!)

[@anthonym3573]

DAVE YOU ARE JUST INCREDIBLE!! I DON'T CARE WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IT IS YOU PLAY IT FLAWLESSLY! JUST MAGNIFICENTLY!! PUT DAVE WECKL UP ON MT.RUSHMORE ALONG WITH THE ALLTIME GREATS!!!

[@bigbandbennett]

Dearest Dave Weckl, I am so thrilled to hear that you have finally established a big band of your own! Your drumming has just been such an incredible influence on me and my drumming. I love the set up and sound of your kit. Everything really comes together with your playing. I consider myself and others very lucky to know your name and know that you are still playing strong. You’re such an incredible person and a large inspiration. Everyone who knows of you would agree with me. Stay safe and healthy. Keep rocking it. ❤🤘🥁 Much love, respect and sincerity, -Bennett Frost

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Very nice Dave , your the best in my book ,closest to BR then ever was!. if I could afford your classes I would definitely take them. If you want to learn proper drumming Dave Weckl is the instructor to chose.

[@MrFg1980]

YES ! Sounds great, and a great selection of tunes to boot. Thanks for posting Dave.

[@ge2music557]

Awesome as always Dave Weckl, I have always admire his talent, dedication and versatility to play different genres. Enjoyed it!!

[@RedeyePerc]

I would absolutely buy tickets to see this. A cool new setting to see Dave in is exciting.

[@Pietro.Valente]

That's amazing to see the master so effortlessly facing new music!

[@antkneewolfdrummer]

As a member of Daves online school and having attended an 8 hour master class this is just simply fantastic. I am always amazed how Dave keeps on coming up with great projects and you never know what he is up to next. If Dave tours with this i hope you come to the Philadelphia/South Jersey cause i am there. Good luck with this Dave and thank you for constantly being a source of inspiration.

[@dom19119]

Tight band. Great to hear the work in progress and looking forward to hearing the final output

[@medleymusicals8762]

drumming legent ...learning from you day by day sir

[@britan007]

Congratulations on forming the band Dave! Sky is the limit for you. This is fantastic! Look forward to your new projects.

[@giorgiozanotti9902]

Fantastic big band dear Dave!👏👏👏🥁🥁🥁🎶🎶🎶

[@MrSteveC]

So glad to see Dave has finally entered his wizard phase, amazing times ahead my friends.

[@jonsmtrs]

I've followed Dave since he was a kid, now he's a mentor to them. Always the best players, regardless of age!

[@robertwalsh3162]

Beautiful. Dave: great to see you after all these years.

[@israelortiznoriega2470]

I was in the Gig yestarday!!!! It was incredible, so much quality!!! Dave amazing musician and amazing person

[@lavishd.4347]

I luv this kinda behind the scenes footage !!!

[@inspiremusic67]

Sounds Great, nice to see the Big Band sound is still Alive and well.

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

..............Sounds great Dave!!!!!! Thank you!

[@Robert-ck7nm]

Love it, Dave! Buddy smiles on your achievements! Thank you!

[@steverobertsmusic8019]

Awesome! Nice to see the 24 up there too :)

[@kentbyron7608]

Dave Weckl A+ for drumming and musicianship but also A+ for communication skills. You don’t hoard your magic. You’re a beautiful soul. Gratitude, as always. ❤️🙏🏼

[@modularmuse]

I'm sorry now that it's only the first time ever hearing Dave Weckl, I grew up for decades hearing this drummer's name but never been exposed to his music. Man, this guy is great; I hear some of the Buddy Rich school in there and his drums sound great. Like it. Looking forward to more.

[@IrisvS_76]

It's never too late to tune in and feel where the rhythm takes you! Groove along :)

[@gerardi2000]

One of my all time favorite drummers

[@CarlosGomes-si7vn]

Dave é o melhor! Um grande abraço do Brasil!

[@HyperCast2012]

Sounds amazing Dave! Brings me back to the Buddy Rich band and seeing Maynard Ferguson at the Brockton, Ma high school in the 90’s. Thank you! Dave, accenting the horn hits is always the way to go!

[@fredbass77]

Tower of Inspiration !!!

[@basilrug]

Sounds friggin amazing! Swinging big band!

[@andrewb__0791]

The best drummer in the world! Ladies and gentleman *Dave Weckl*

[@johnxywu]

Congratulations Dave!

[@emanuelemartinelli2330]

Sempre il migliore!!!😻😻😻

[@Frugalisme]

In the nineties I was a teenager, I had a poster of Dave (a big advert for Yamaha) in my room. Having the chance to see you playing in France at that time with Mike Stern did change my life. You remain my legend!

[@fardrum]

same here, I had a great black poster of him playing a black kit

[@davesiegel5079]

Oh man, Dave. More and more of that is going to be so sweet. Just sweet, sweet swinging.

[@aaronfahy4448]

Nice ! Already sounding great Dave and gang ! Killer !

[@emmyemmanuel3583]

great stuff mr dave, band is sounding so good

[@gillan5]

What a drummer - I am speechless.

[@Official_Sal_Gutierrez]

This is incredible, it must be also like a dream come true. Especially since you’re main influences were this style of music. Cheers to you Dave, thanks for inspiring us always!

[@c3N3q]

I am very much looking forward to hearing Tower of Inspiration with the Big Band! 😋

[@bugswako]

BRAVO Dave and Orchestra!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@abebonilla3175]

It's all coming up amazing, keep up with this project!

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Great job as usual Dave!

[@jdecker9834]

Beautiful playing as always Dave! Love the "Tower of Inspiration" arrangement section. Been enjoying your playing since the early 80s and I'm still amazed how you never stop learning, teaching and expanding your playing into so may new genres. To me, you are definitely the GOAT.

[@ibleebinU]

Dave has been so good for so long, I ran out of compliments a decade ago.

[@KJ-nl4ei]

Good stuff Dave, thanks for sharing, drums sound killer.

[@edwinbradley2151]

One of the best Big Band clips I've watched! Dave's playing is as close to perfect in this setting as it gets and the band really swings...thank you!

[@JRM---516]

I remember hearing Dave playing with a big band when he was 13. He sounded like a great, veteran big band drummer. Later on, I heard a tape of Dave when he was 16 -- playing Jazz-fusion with Dave Fowler and Gary Borge (two fine St. Louis musicians), and he played beautifully -- using space and color so effectively . . . well beyond his years. Loved his playing with the GRP Orchestra! His work with Chick Corea was also fantastic, more notably when he went back for a reunion to play in a small-group acoustic setting. Fast forward to the present: Dave continues to play amazing, especially in a big band context, as seen here. A musical giant, no less!

[@felixrousseau2801]

Nice to hear you in a big band setting. You seem to be having fun !

[@rickylefebvre]

Love that rendition of Buddy Rich's "Ya Gotta Try" at the end there!

[@dtdrummerlady]

I love it!!! Very tasty fills!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Amazing as always Dave! It's nice to hear big band charts.

[@GianpaoloGallianOfficial]

Very nice mix, Dave. And nice band!

[@TopDownDrumming]

This is fantastic, so happy to see you leading a big band, Dave! The band sounds great, Dave sounds fantastic and the spirit of Buddy Rich is there smiling! I'd watch hours of this, especially that view from behind your shoulder where you can really see what he's playing. Dave, I'd love to see a video (or 100) of just that angle?

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Great orchestra best of luck to you all.

[@Drumdude3265]

I can't wait to see a show, bring it to Detroit please!!!

[@4tomhenry]

SOUNDS AWESOME!!!!!!

[@kp7castin150]

Best complete drummer ever nice to see you man stay in the game

Yes !!! Can’t wait to hear the whole thing !! Hopefully a record ?!?! 😎

[@TheDRUM2112]

Dave you keep getting better & better, always playing the right notes!!!!

[@josephgiarraffa6379]

I never expected anything less I mean Weckly is the drummer I been living since 1985 He gets better as he gos on Great sound great band and just the best in what he’s been producing since he came on the scene

[@markrobertdevison1227]

My favorite drummer!

[@casestudymtb]

I still find myself going back to the grp big band recordings, Dave's been a massive inspiration since I was intruduced to him by my drum instructor back in 99. A true giant sounding as good as ever.

[@cherylfotiou6348]

Great Dave!

[@erikl6988]

This is great! Would love to see this live.

[@rhythmsaint73]

superb Dave as always

[@DHOBSESSIONS]

i love his new style and sound....that was awesome rehearsal

[@vernhillbass905]

My son and I went to the live concert. What a band.

[@bryanherward4679]

sounds great...really great to hear how the Evos/Legacy's fit in an acoustic room sound....they're quick...but the glassiness is really mellowed out. Just perfect.

[@pinobenatti6798]

You are the number one 👏👏👍👍😊😊

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

That's amazing. Can't wait for an album to come out with this Band.

[@kevinvanrensburg2468]

He can play anything, incredible drummer!

[@Thedrummersalmanac]

Totally killer!

[@ThomZek]

Sounds great already !

[@Tybansan]

Dave Weckl, the only percussionist that can make playing with a big band look relaxing and easy.

[@amandofreyre5027]

Grande! Si todo sale bien te veré en el drum show en alfandega do Porto en Oporto, un saludo!

[@buddyrichforever]

Band are great! Dave is as good a big band drummer I've heard in the modern era. He doesn't play across anyone and brings joy to the music., Swings like hell too!

[@jamestsjilingarov3788]

Super!!!! Thanks!!! Bravo!!!

[@trondhelgeknutsen5139]

Wow, love this. Would be great if the drum charts could available for purchase :) :) :)

[@HennesysHernandez]

That Big Band re-arrangement of Tower of Inspiration is out of this planet! 👏🏾

[@vladeguignimusic]

YEAH!!!

[@bobbyjones2112]

That was awesome!

[@KhalDrogo76]

Guy could literally play this style in his sleep - one of the cleanest, no wasted effort drummers that's ever been

[@dennisstgermain4187]

Fantabulous !

[@KCJazzKeys]

Cool. Hopefully we can get you to pop over to the other side of the state and play with some of the big bands in KC!