Dave Weckl Band - Live [And Very Plugged In] (2003)

Dave Weckl usually performs a couple weeks a year at Catalina's in Hollywood. This two-CD set features his 2002 quartet, a versatile unit comprised of the leader/drummer, keyboardist Steve Weingart, electric bassist Tom Kennedy, and saxophonist Gary Meek. Their music is reminiscent of the Yellowjackets and (during its Jaco phase) Weather Report, with Weingart sometimes hinting at Chick Corea. The styles range from groovin' fusion to post-bop, with very good musicianship, creative solos, and generally interesting originals. Weckl is a powerful drummer yet is quite subtle during much of this set. One of the highlights of the two-fer is a spirited version of "The Chicken," but all of these selections work well, especially the music on the first disc. Things bog down a little during Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-A-Ning" (a bass/drum duet that puts the focus on Kennedy) and the drum solo "Cultural Concurrence," but the other ten numbers feature the full quartet in prime form. The closing "Tiempo de Festival" uses a sample of four horns from an earlier date and is triggered through Weingart's keyboards. Highly recommended. -- Scott Yanow