Synergy

Dave Weckl | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 18, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stretch Records
• ASIN: B00000IXSS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,024 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Drummer Dave Weckl gained such a cultlike following playing with Chick Corea's Elektric and Akoustic bands in the 1980s that he could probably release an album of solo wood-block tapping and have it sell enough copies to make the effort worthwhile. So it's a pleasant surprise that Synergy is a decidedly group effort that thrusts the varied compositional talents and versatility of Weckl and his bandmates to the forefront instead of merely showcasing the leader's drum chops. Not that Weckl has been letting those chops sag; his solo percussion odyssey "Cultural Concurrence" and his ferocious soloing over the Latin groove of the title track are enough to give air drummers everywhere a workout. But what makes Synergy more listenable than some of Weckl's other efforts is the inspired group interplay that finds him and his longtime touring ensemble--saxophonist Brandon Fields, keyboardist Jay Oliver, guitarist Buzz Feiten, and bassist Tommy Kennedy--locking in on grooves that push beyond his normal jazz-fusion terrain. From the West African feel of "High Life" to the Cajun-tinged "Swamp Thing" to the swanky James Brown funk of "Wet Skin," Synergy is an inspired and varied outing. --Ezra Gale

From Jazziz

After being dismissed by some as a mere "chops meister," former Chick Corea Elektric Band drummer Dave Weckl purposely sought to reinvent himself as a groove player on his previous solo outing, Rhythm of the Soul, which also marked the debut of his own band. While the group toured, soundcheck jams evolved into tunes, and the resulting music on Synergy provides

the most balanced document yet of weckl's drumming and his strongest musical statement.

Tracks such as "Panda's Dream," which features some of the fattest backbeats Weckl has ever played, and the New Orleans-inspired "Swamp Thing" are strong on pure groove. But tunes such as the African-influenced "High Life," the salsa/funk-informed "Synergy," and the solo drum/percussion tour de force "Cultural Concurrence" bear all the syncopated complexity of Weckl's original fame. He also displays a subdued, sensitive side with brushes and coloristic cymbals on the ballads "A Simple Prayer" and "Where's My Paradise?" A particularly definitive track is "Tower '99," a rewrite of "Tower of Inspiration" from Weckl's first solo album, Master Plan. It has all the technical mastery of the original but a deeper groove and a lot of soul.

On Weckl's four previous solo albums, he and Jay Oliver keyboardist composed just about everything. But on Synergy, the songwriting credits are shared among Weckl, Oliver, guitarist Buzz Feiten (a major asset to this band), saxophonist Brandon Fields, and bassist Tom Kennedy. The result is Weckl's broadest level of self-expression.

--- Rick Mattingly, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now THIS is the type of Jazz that should be heard on radio!, November 18, 1999

By 

Whitey "ashburn writer" (Ashburn VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synergy (Audio CD)

As a drummer and a jazz fan I am dissappointed with the lack of jazz on radio stations (including those so-called "Smooth Jazz" ones that are turning out to be merely oldies stations). This CD has it all in terms of hard core fusion (with a modern touch) and smooth, relaxing tracks. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to finally get a hold of the kind of exciting, hard core music that I call "rock jazz". This CD is a must- have if you are a drummer. It illustrates how short solos can be a part of the whole song and not overpower the tune.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full Circle, December 2, 1999

By 

Joey Jimenez (Chino Hills, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synergy (Audio CD)

Dave has finally come full circle. His previous projects have always showcased him as the lead musician with his rudimentally monster filled, hard driving chops... and rightly so, playing in intricate meters that seem mind blowing to other drummers. But this CD displays the group effort that allows his bandmates to showcase their varied musical talents. A refreshing, exciting change. But make no mistake, when Dave gets to solo, he definitely reminds you that "Hey... I'm Dave Weckl"...

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars more drum mastery, October 7, 2000

By 

richard hamlett (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synergy (Audio CD)

I much prefer acoustic jazz to electric; but being a drummer, I buy ever new Dave Weckl CD that comes out. The guy is just so smooth it's ridiclous. Although every aspect of his drumming is nearly flawless, his combo tom/splash fills are just the best. Additionally, Buzz Feiten plays some great guitar solos on this record, particularly track 2. Unfortunately, he won't be on the new release. Jay Oliver has left the band too. Personally, I love over-the-top drums, and could listen to Dave's earlier solo-fest recordings all day. That is why this recording and the first Weckl Band release were a little disappointing to me at first. I wasn't expecting so much in the pocket playing from Dave. They grow on you though. All of the songs are inventive and well crafted. After repeated listening, you become more and more in awe of what the best of the best can do. Can't wait for his new one. Check out the live mp3s downloadable from Dave's website. They will blow your head off!