Dave Weckl - Transition (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

"right on - the cutting edge"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 11/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stretch Records presents the latest from Dave Weckl Band - "Transition", a passing from one condition, form, stage, activity, place, etc. to another. The band is jamming, this is when we come up with some great song ideas, these sessions are right on.Scaling his band down to a quartet while losing none of the raw power, virtuosity, intensity and tight-knit musical finesse this remarkable unit has become known for, drummer/composer/bandleader Dave Weckl makes a musical "Transition" with his new release.It's a transition that, in turn, clearly spurs him and his cohorts to new creative heights. Weckl's band is truly on the cutting edge of musical fusion, in the most creative sense of the word. Propelled by a kaleidoscopie array of Weckl rhythms - from funk, to New Orleans swamp grooves, to Afro-Latin to odd-meter polyrhythms to everything in between.Stretch Records and Weckl have taken a new direction with the band, feel they've come up with a great CD, full of original flawless jazz...put this on, and see if you don't agree!Total Time: 70:21 on 10 Tracks...Stretch Records SCD 9032...(2000)"

Plain old great music

Donald Case | Farmingville, NY USA | 11/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mix some jazz,alot of funk,some rock, throw in a bit of latin and add a pretty ballad and you have great music,no labels,just great music. This band smokes and is really tight. As usual Dave Weckls playing is incredible. If you could wear out a CD in a week,then I will."

5 star glide

Donald Case | 02/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An unreserved 5 stars. Like many, I've been collecting Dave's music since the '80s. I think this might be his best to date. It's hard to say because a good new album by a favourite artist attracts a cerain bias. Whatever - this one sure isn't disappointing. After the first listen I was struck by how smooth the album is, how well it works. Nothing jars, it all flows like lava. I think Dave and his band have reached a new level of expression on this album. That isn't to say it's a heavy or moody album - on the contrary it's very "up" throughout. It just seems to go deeper; it's more musically engaging. And there's nothing twee to spoil the mood. The sound's top notch, the production's honest, clean and well-balanced. The new keyboard player (Steve Weingart) is really good - versatile and inspired. Dave is as skilled as ever, sounding more mature than ever. It sounds like he does percussion parts (in addition to drums) on most of the tracks, but that could just be because he has four arms (!) Brandon Fields is great - "on", musical and inspired. Although I'm not a bassist myself, I find myself going back to listen for Tom Kennedy's subtle but excellent bass playing."

Different, but not his best work

D. Schram | Denver, CO United States | 03/17/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with some of what I've seen others say. He's clearly a phenom. but it gets a little annoying after a while. No need to rip the chops out CONSTANTLY.
This is good to have as part of your collection, and I did like it better than some of his earlier solo work...but this would not be the first (or even 2nd) of Weckl's releases that I would recommend."

The Best Yet

jon.barker84@btinternet.com | Grays, Essex | 04/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a drummer myself I've been a fan of Dave Weckl's since he first ventured out on his own after his time with Chick Corea. I've enjoyed every one of his solo albums but I think 'Transition' is by far his best yet. I've recently revisited his earlier work and although it's all classic stuff I can now hear the difference in his playing. He attributes this new way to the time he's spent with Freddy Gruber. Some songs on this new album contain sections that that you might think impossible to play unless you were a machine...'Transition' appears to be much more of a 'band' creation rather than just a bunch of fancy chops. I haven't stopped listening to it and it's kind of what I always wanted to hear from Weckl but never really got. The technical brilliance is still there but it's almost like, dare I say it, he's become more Gadd like. You get little tasters here and there rather than huge solos (although there are a few of them as well). Now we really get to hear just how good his co-creators are and believe me they are - It's not just Dave Weckl it's the whole band now. I think partnering with Tom Kennedy was a great move. I actually prefer Steve Weingart's style to Jay Oliver's and particularly his choice of sounds, more Rhodes and Hammond Steve!!!
Brandon Fields is a fantastic sax player and again I think this current setup is working brilliantly. I was a little apprehensive when they dropped Buzz Feiten on guitar after `Synergy', thinking it might go back to chops, chops and more chops. Dave has filled the gap admirably with percussion that he plays at the same time as the drums - an AWESOME sight to see.
Knowing when to play and when not to play is a wonderful ability to have and I think Weckl demonstrates this brilliantly on this album. The whole album has much more of a groove feel to it...Dave should be proud of his early stuff but it's clear to me that his current direction presents a much warmer/mature and enjoyable musical experience. Keep it coming Dave and well done to everyone involved."

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CD Details

CD Reviews

	Dave Weckl Transition Genres: Jazz, Pop Track Listings (10) - Disc #1 Wake Up - Dave Weckl, Fields, Brandon Braziluba Like That - Dave Weckl, Weingart, Steve Mild Hysteria - Dave Weckl, Weckl, Dave Group Therapy - Dave Weckl, Fields, Brandon Passion - Dave Weckl, Weckl, Dave Crossing Paths Alegria Just for the Record Amanecer
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