Dave Weckl coming to India to jazz up your weekend

The audience seems transfixed by what they hear when Dave Weckl performs his breathtaking solo, outperforming himself time and again. His understanding of drums coupled with technical proficiency has him present at the pinnacle of music success for over three decades now.

He hit the New York fusion scene in the early 1980s and in no time this talented drummer from Saint Charles, Missouri was recognized by artists like Madonna, Robert Plant, Diana Ross, and Paul Simon.

As he is back on the road, Weckl is gearing up to perform in Teamwork Arts' Jazz India Circuit, New Delhi on the 17th and 18th of February. This edition of Jazz India Circuit will treat all music aficionados to the best jazz being made by the geniuses behind the drum kit.

In an exclusive conversation with Millennium post, Dave tells us that he is looking forward to coming to India after nine years. "This time, I will be performing alongside Abhijith P S Nair, Sandeep Mohan, Mohini Dey and Joe Johnson. We will play an assortment of music – blending East and West styles," he said.

Also performing are 21-year-old guitar prodigy Rhythm Shaw, John Law who is acclaimed for his work in a wide variety of contemporary jazz projects, Danish guitarist, composer and improviser Alex Jonsson; Karan Khosla Trio – an instrumental jazz outfit focused on the 'bebop' genre, and The Diaspora House, a project that combines original music by drummer, arranger and composer Udi Shlomo. The night will be adorned by leading jazz players from Denmark, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Israel, and India.

With over three decades of drumming experience, the pressure that Dave experienced is somewhat different from what we expected. "The biggest pressure is dealing with the social aspect, always having to be what someone expects you to be, even if you don't feel well, or are dealing with some other human aspect that can throw a wrench in life. Most people who want a picture or an autograph just assume it's all wonderful to make their experience a happy one at that moment. Most of the time I am successful (and grateful, don't get me wrong), but sometimes it's a challenge. Musically, I just do what I do, try to keep getting better, and play to create a positive atmosphere," he said.

Weckl is an American jazz fusion drummer export to the world. And his distinctive compositions grab as much attention as his drums. Dave tried guitar when he was about six years old but gravitated to the drums.

"I do not know why I picked up drumsticks. I often say the drums chose me. I actually started on guitar (but didn't last long). I don't only play drums, however. I play a bit of electric bass and a bit of piano," he said. When asked about what lured him towards Jazz, he replied by saying, "Jazz appeals to me because of the freedom of expression that the style allows.

There are many styles of 'jazz', so it's hard to classify it, but the improvisational aspect, the dialogue with other musicians, is what I love."