Customer Reviews

Transition

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before I start, let me tell that I am a HUGE Dave Weckl fan. I have almost all of his albums, including this one. I have seen him play 5 times in the LA and Santa Barbara area. He is one of my All-Time favorite drummers. That being said, he really does need to chill out on the Dave Weckl/Vinnie Colaiuta super-duper chops. We all know he can shred away with the best of them in perfect timing. I mean, the guy doesn't miss a 1/64th note! But give me a break! In one of his previous albums, Rhythm of the Soul, he really lays it down and plays the song. This album however, he gets out of hand and fails to groove for more than 4 measures. It's as though he told his musicians, "Play this song on the track, and I'll just drum solo over the entire song." A lot of my musician friends HATE Dave Weckl because they claim that he has no feel and absolutely no concept of a groove. I beg to differ. I know that he can groove when he wants to, he just chooses not to. At least on this album. I still give this album 4 stars just because the musicianship is nothing less than superb. Songs are pretty cool, but would be better if he just kept it down to 1 drum solo per song, rather than 3.

I just heard every song on this album performed live at the IMAC Theater (L.I.) by the Dave Weckl band. Powerful, complex and pure fusion. I have to admit that I did not expect it to be as good as it was, but since the band only consisted of four performers, every song was phenominal to say the least. Not many drummers left on the planet like this. Get it.

This is another awesome CD from the drumming master Dave Weckl. This CD is kind of a blend of his old solo CDs and the more recent Dave Weckl Band CDs. Steve Weingart does an incredible job picking up where Jay Oliver left off. Jay Oliver, Dave's longtime friend and collaborater is no longer in the band, but Weingart does an incredible job as his replacement. Brandon Fields and Tom Kennedy are also on this CD and are great musicians making great music. All musicians, especially drummers, should check out this CD as it provides much inspiration.

I have followed Dave since the Chick Corea days and this guy just gets better and better. Transition is packed with great selections and great mucicianship also. This recording is the state of the art in Jazz Fusion and is a must own for every serious music listner and musician! You will not be disappointed.

Dave Weckl is a great guy. In my opinion he is a modern day Buddy Rich. Not just because of his playing but because he has taken Drumming to a new level. I own all of his albums, have been to 2 clinics and 1 concert. I have followed Dave pretty close the last few years and have been inspired by his music. Dave is a great teacher as well. Anything that has his name on it is a good choice for purchase.