Customer Reviews

Hard Wired

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Hard Wired is definitely an improvement over Dave's previous solo album "Heads Up," especially in the aspect of songwriting. It might still be somewhat of a drummer's album, but after all it IS a drummer's album! Dave plays some great grooves with some crazy beat displacement/syncopation on the more latin-fusion flavored tracks, as well as some straighter pocket playing. Just an interesting side note- the "guitar" solo on track 5 that is mentioned in other reviews is actually Jay Oliver using a unique sound on the keyboard, and using the pitch bend! This is a must have for drummers, but also a good album for anyone who appreciates jazz oriented, instrumental music.

When you read other reviews (and mine!) just remember the profound musing ... opinions are like [anatomical descriptor here]: everyone's got one. Now for my second disclaimer: I am a drummer. That said, I enjoy this CD as much for the stellar non-percussion composition and performances as much as I do for the stellar percussion composition and performances.

This CD sizzles. It has some songs on it that could be said to have been written with "pop"y hooks in them, yes. It also has a masterful latin piece ("Dis' Place This") with some wild rhythms in it (love that piano part!), whimsical tunes ("Afrique" and "Just an Illusion"), moody songs ("In Flight" and "Where's Tom?"), jazzy urban grooves ("Crazy Horse" (amazing keyboard work) and "In the Pocket"), and a soulful, somber finish ("Tribute") with a wonderfully rich piano part (it takes getting through about a minute of muted key tones played to a ride cymbal to get to it) that the sax picks up and follows along with. The entire horn section is well-written and well-played throughout the album.

Weckl definitely gets his time in the spotlight, and NO ONE can do it quite like him. Some of the songs did take a few listens to get into, I admit, but this is now one of my favorite CDs of all time. If you think the samples on Amazon are interesting AT ALL, then BUY IT. I don't think you'll feel you wasted any money after only a few plays.

This CD contains various music. On the opening song (Hard Wired) Dave goes wild on the kit and the song is quite easy to remember I think it is one of the best on the album. My next favourite is "Crazy Horse". It has a great tune and it's one of thoose songs that makes you hurry home from work just tolisten to the song. "In The Pocket" is also a favourite of mine where Oliver does a remarkable solo on the keyboard with a sound that sounds like a distorded guitar. My only advice is: buy it!

This is not only my favorite Weckl CD, but one of my favorite CDs of all time. When I heard Weckl with Chick's Electric Band I was blown away at his sound. When I heard his compositions on "Master Plan" with Jay Oliver, I was Floored. I had no idea this guy was as great a composer as he was a drummer! Not only are these guys masters of their instruments, they are also amazing composers. The rhythms, the melodies, the solos, are all beyond incredible. Jay Oliver is simply the best soloist I have ever heard. His 'mimic guitar' solo in "Crazy Horse" is the coolest 'guitar solos' I have ever heard. Whether you play drums, bass, guitar, keys, sax, horns or just love hearing the finest compositions played by the finest musicians, GET THIS CD! You will be BLOWN AWAY!

Dave Weckl 's mood proves his immense talents as a musician with countless skills in this album of jazz-fusion. You should acquire this imaginative album; filled of dynamic creative energy.

I've listened to this record a thousand times and it just keeps impressing/inspiring me. There are so many complex (in a very musical way) elements in it and I've learned a lot, especially rhytmically, from listening to it. Dave has (despite what some critics have said) an amazing feel/groove, and it shows especially on track 8 with a groove that sends chills down the spine!

"Tribute" has a melody line that goes straight into your soul .. truly beautiful and a bit similar to "Country" by Keith Jarret, which also is a fantastic song. A tribute to Jarret maybe?

By the way .. the solo on track 5 is a keyboard solo, not a guitar solo even if it could sound like a guitar :) someone mentioned it here earlier ...

This is a drummer's dream! The first 5 tracks are a trip!! Ultra-cool!! Very complex!!! Great fun to listen to!!! This is one CD that you will become addicted to!!! Top-gun percussionism, outrageously searing saxaphones, rail gliding guitar work and unforgettable keyboards,... these guys ARE in a class all by themselves!!! ,... end of story!! JUST GET IT!!

This album almost seems like kind of a confused effort. There doesn't seem to be direction. Yes, top notch musicians but disjointed. I really love Dave's other stuff but not this one.

I don't think I have much to say here. This CD was one of the first 80s fusion albums that I heard when I was young. Dave Weckl and co. are just top notch musicians, and it shows on every song here. One song in particular, "Crazy Horse", has this jaw-dropping guitar solo, I discovered later that it is actually a keyboard solo, totally wicked.
In not so many words, if you're a fan of Chick Corea's Elektric Band stuff, you'll love this one.

Another good-sounding record from the worlds best drummer. More funky and less jazzy are the words for this one. Track no. 5 has one of the best guitarsolos I've ever heard. If you are musician of any kind, listen n' learn. This is how a good drumplayer should sound...