Dave Weckl - Master Plan (1990)

This was Weckl's debut as a leader after years as a session musician and member of Chick Corea's Elektric and Akoustic Bands, and it's an arresting display of his drum chops and rhythmic know-how, whether he's playing or matching parts with a drum program. The rhythms range from Latin-techno on "Festival de Ritmo" to the light swing of acoustic jazz on "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise." Weckl is joined by a number of eminent associates, including Michael Brecker and Eric Marienthal on saxophones. Chick Corea himself plays on his tune "Master Plan," and fellow drummer Steve Gadd joins Weckl for some particularly complex polyrhythms. The music sometimes takes a backseat to Weckl's pyrotechnics, but that's in keeping with a musician initially inspired by Buddy Rich. Weckl has effectively extended that aggressive approach to embrace technology, and Master Plan is full of the same kind of inspiration for younger drummers. -- Stuart Broomer