Chris "Daddy" Dave

[glynes]

You can see him in the new Modern Drummer magazine ... very nice article and interview. I had the pleasure of watching him work with Billy Preston recently, and got to chat a bit with him while waiting for BP to sign autographs. He's one of the most laid-back drummers I've seen, real cool, but he threw in a hot lick every now-and-then that gave me the shivers! Had a sweet technique on the high-hats that has sent me back to the practice room to do some serious work!
I'll try to scan a pic from the magazine and add it in.

[Bernhard]

He played also with Pat Metheny!!!

Must have serious chops so


Bernhard

[glynes]

Thank you!
That's such a great picture ... exactly how he looked playing for Billy Preston. I was worried about him because he just didn't look like he was having a good time! But when they finished with 'Jumpin' Jack Flash', he got right into it, and was laughing along with everybody. And when I got to talk to him, I discovered he has a great smile, a really positive attitude, and just thought that nobody would be paying much attention to him.
8-)

[jamsjr44]

He also played with a band called Mint Condition on some of their songs, I am so glad someone else has heard of him and seen him. He is awesome!

[beatadrum]

what series are those sonors he has??

[Anchein Vouivra]

I've seen Chris Dave twice with the Meshell Ndgeocello Spirit Music Jamia. He's the most impressive and charismatic drummer I've ever seen, a real groove generator. He mixes jazz/dub/african/r'n'b rythmes in huge jams, and show off some incredible breaks you always think is off-tempo, but it's not, it just penetrates yer mind then yer body and makes you wanna scream AAAAAAAAAAAAAAArrrrGGGG WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?????????? If you can see him once, don't hesitate, it influenced me, changed my vision of drumming and..................frustrated me.
Anyway he's been also playing with Kenny Garrett on Standards of language: Killer album with killing musicians.
He also have a hip-hop band called The foundation.
He's really my favorite seen live. I also realized how the HHX evolution O-Zone crash cymbal could sound so cool when it so wisely used.

[sandstone]

i recently picked up ron blakes cd called sonic tonic... this dude can play the drums!!!! he is not on all the tracks but on the tracks he is on, he tears up!!! keep it going Chris.

[GuySmiley-TPhiM-HU]

I first met Chris as a freshman in 1990 at Howard University. He asked me to help him setup for an 8 timpani solo with the Howard University orchestra. Thanks right… 8. Quite naturally that put a pause in my step. His practice room was across from me and have seen/herd many amazing things he did at that time… down to the audition tape he sent in for Mint Condition. That 8 timpani solo really humbled me as a percussionist. Drummer World you need to actively seek/get/ask for some video footage. Truly and utterly amazing drummer. He makes the top 10 drummers list in my book. Don’t believe me… go take a look. I know he is on the wish list. You guys have a great site.

Keep hope Alive


[Freddie Freeloader]

i think its about time this man got a page on drummerworld. no pressure bernhard, but please do SOMETHING!

[Freddie Freeloader]

chris dave with meshell ndegeocello, montreux jazz festival, 2003.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3DQhdZSHfo&search=Ndegeocello

[RegTyler]

I just saw Chris Dave with the Jabene Ensemble. Wow!!!!!! an incredible combination of swing, groove, taste and technique. I called my son to tell him about him and he told me he also plays with Me'shell Ndegeocello. This guy is in a class by himself and I'll be on the lookout for any of the groups he plays in. He is truly an amazing musical talent.

[jamsjr44]

i think its about time this man got a page on drummerworld. no pressure bernhard, but please do SOMETHING!

I agree he is one drummer I would love to hear more of. Some guys get too much press that do not deserve it, and others that don't are never heard of.

[jared grier]

my dad has know chris daddy for 10 years

[jared grier]

my dad was a pro on drums like chris they used to practice for hours

[jared grier]

you should put him drummerworld sometime

[missy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NLuTeHJarY

[torpedoboy]

Yep, I've checked out that youtube piece. It is absolutely sick. Why in the world does Chris not have a profile on this site? He is, without a doubt, one of the freshest drummers out there.

[sshu]

What other albums does Chris Dave play on that people recommend? I just got Kenny Garrett's "Standard of Language". Chris Dave is a monster. Reminds me of Jeff "Tain" Watts and Tony Williams a bit.

Steve

[SpencerJ]

All I can say is incredible!! Yes, I definitely remember Chris from his stint with Mint Condition and also from playing with Gospel artist Kim Burrell and a few others. He is without a doubt one of the most slept-on drummers in the biz today. I had the opportunity of seeing him perform at the Blue Note in NYC a few weeks back with friends & special guest Stokley of Mint Condition. Awesome show! Somebody give this brother front page on Drummers Magazine!!

[Freddie Freeloader]

i'm sorry but check this out :
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1835705615]

and this too : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGJOgeNx5pQ&mode=related&search=

it's a shame he still doesn't have a page on drummerworld considering he is quite possibly one of the most influential and important drummers of his generation.

[lapente]

From france : it is not a serious magazine if they don't sacralise this guy, he plays like nobody before, and the reason is that most of people can't hear what he's really doing. Real music only for real people.

[Erik Lund]

I really like his playing on...that Kenny Garrett album I have (what's the name?...) but I remember the first time I listened to the whole album and at the end, the last few tracks thinking "holy crap he just got a lot better on these tracks, that's amazing!" and it turned out that Eric Harland was the drummer...


But still, great player. One of my favorites in the straight-ahead/modern scene.

[slingerland755]

i'm sorry but check this out :
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1835705615]

and this too : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGJOgeNx5pQ&mode=related&search=

it's a shame he still doesn't have a page on drummerworld considering he is quite possibly one of the most influential and important drummers of his generation.

Just saw this guy. He owns the "time." Great!

[Mikey D]

Along with ?uestlove, Mark Guiliana and Brian Blade; "Daddy" Dave is one of my favourites. I still don't understand why he doesn't get more attention.

As Jastjohn says he really does fuse hiphop and jazz in a very organic way compared to most other drummers who are trying to do this (which I have noticed happening even more now around the college where I study).

[Mikey D]

He's playing with Robert Glasper in the UK in a few weeks...I'm so excited!

Not only is he playing right near where I study in Birmingham, because we have a deal with the promoter we get in free!

I can't wait to meet "Daddy"!

Any drummers in or near Birmingham, Edinburgh, London, Gateshead or Leeds should make the effort to see him in person. The man is unreal!

[Mikey D]

Just got back...CD absolutely killed it! THE best (IMO) and nicest drummer I have seen live.

When can he have his own page!?

He's got the next Erykah Badu tour aswell.

[bmore drummer]

I saw him for the first time in BMore with Badu at The African American Heritage Fest he played so well. He is definitely a favorite. Does anyone have any transcripts to share of him?

[raje.a]

isnt youtube great ...any ideas on his cymbal set up...are they 16 inch hats..and those crashes are beautiful...I would love to see him play in Australia.

[eldowns]

Hey, can anyone tell me the issue of Modern Drummer that Chris had an interview in?

[.lo]

hey everyone,

nice to see that there are a few guys who also love daddy dave´s style!

I just can recommend visiting robert glasper´s myspace profile!

http://www.myspace.com/therealrobertglasper

there´s an incredible version of f.t.b. with chris on the drums...


pce,


lo

[.lo]

hey folks,

...one more thing: does anybody know how chris reaches his spead with his right hand on hihats etc...it seems like a sort of single handed roll or something...any suggestions?



.lo

[Saponi Boy]

hey folks,

...one more thing: does anybody know how chris reaches his spead with his right hand on hihats etc...it seems like a sort of single handed roll or something...any suggestions?



.lo

I dont know, but I saw him playing w/Mint Condition at a concert last year and he was doing that...I have no idea how, but it blew me away!

[hfcd]

hey everybody

check out these recently added videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T39ZaFT1kA0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5eduwP-4U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klZnMIUhnOs

why doesn`t chris get a page on drummerworld?

[rawsnacks]

I was lucky enough to go to school with Chris & met him in the Summer Jazz Workshop in Houston when we were just kids. He was a monster then. I was completely jealous of him of course (fellow drummer here). But if he was playing I damn sure stopped what I was doing and listened. He was never afraid of trying ANYTHING on the drums. I don't think I've heard him play the same lick twice... As far as his quickness that someone posted about earlier - he's just damn quick. That's all. I'm sure he has techniques for *really* fast one handed playing, but mostly he just muscles it through. One of the most dynamic drummers ever...

[Demetriw]

He uses two sticks in his right hand. God Bless.

[blackmagswithcats]

He REALLY needs a page on here.
He's the most original and innovative drummer i've ever heard

[Freddie Freeloader]

hey everybody

check out these recently added videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T39ZaFT1kA0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5eduwP-4U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klZnMIUhnOs

why doesn`t chris get a page on drummerworld?

DOPE!!!!!!


____________

[jackjamesdrums]

hey folks,

...one more thing: does anybody know how chris reaches his spead with his right hand on hihats etc...it seems like a sort of single handed roll or something...any suggestions?



.lo


he does it with two sticks in one hand, one on top and one underneath. i was a bit disappointed when i found this out, but o well, still sounds siick!

[sonrisa]

This man changed all my life and aproach to the instrument.... i have to start all over again.... long live the dave!!!!!

Cheers from Chile...

[Dr Drums]

Along with ?uestlove, Mark Guiliana and Brian Blade; "Daddy" Dave is one of my favourites. I still don't understand why he doesn't get more attention.
.

U got a fine taste my man ! I'd list the exact same names.

And I'm so glad to see more people are into Chris, in my opinion the HOTTEST drummer out there, bringin a whole new vibe and rhythmic vision.

He deserves all the best, including a page out here

Peace

[dairyairman]

i watched some videos of him. i'd say he's really pushing the state of the art with jazz drumming! i've never heard anyone quite like him.

[BozJones]

http://vimeo.com/6523580

[Funky Crêpe]

Hes coming to my home town with robert glasper soon, I don't find him spectacular, but I will see him. His stuff does have some underlining....importance, but i just think he fills bars whenever he can. I am not being any bit racist AT ALL, but his playing does represent much of the rap/hip hop live playing of today with the likes of mos def and the co. I can't think of many drummers like him, but....lets say, spanky. They seem to fill bars and sub divide whenever they can, I suppose a modern equilivalt of, say, Tony williams? I dunno, just not as appealing to me as jojo or stanton moore. I will say though, I haven't heard him play much. I will see him though, of course! does anyone have any groove playing of him?

[jeromesteele]

I disagree. check him out playing "nefertiti" on youtube. i mean you might not like him, its a taste thing, but he certainly does not just fill every bar to the max.

[aydee]

eat this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gifMNA92zso&feature=related


..and this is just plain sick.. you aint seen sicker..:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGOdR7HFB4&feature=related

,,,

[theExperience]

please add chris dave already. why is he not in yet? is it because he hasnt performed with as many people as others? please add him.

[AGstl]

Can't believe he's not on here. Dude is one of my top 5 drummers hands down.

But anyway...does ANYBODY know specifically what song(s) he played on Mary J. Blige's album "Mary?" Need to find out for one of my students who is studying Chris Dave. Help me out if you know!

[Bernhard]

strange posts....here he is, so??????:

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Chris_Daddy_Dave.html

Bernhard

[AGstl]

YES! That's what up Bernhard. Thanks for gettin him on here!

But now, still....can anybody tell me specifically what track(s) he's on on Mary J. Blige's "Mary" album??

[Phodut]

Hey, I'm fairly new here. Since the time when I first started playing drums I've moved from influence to influence. I probably started out just watching Buddy Rich and Neil Peart vids, but I honestly can't quite remember. I also used to watch a lot of street drummers because before I got my kit I would drum on buckets n paint cans; whatever I could find. I also used chopsticks for drum sticks, lol. That was long ago, however.
Anyhow, my point is that first I'm obsessed with this guy, then the next guy, then he gets old and there's a new guy.
My previous obsession was Thomas Pridgen.
And now I'm completely fixed on Chris Dave. Haven't moved on for a while now. He is honestly practically everything I've wanted to see from a drummer. He has a unique style, dynamics, creativity, musicality, technique, and hella chops. He plays a lot of simple beats but always trips things up in his own way and keeps the simplest of beats interesting. He is not very showy in solos and such, but I personally never cared much for stick tricks and flashy lights. Man, I just want the music. And Chris Dave gave that to me. Some of his stuff can be rather slow paced, but usually it captures my attention enough so i don't have to be patient, lol. Like some drum solos can get boring. His don't. If that makes sense.

Basically, you should check him out right now if you don't know him. Awesome drummer, awesome person! Nuff said.

[weekiwi]

I think he plays on "He Won't Go" on Adele's album 21 as well - the beats in that tune are absolutely dope and really make it.

Does anyone know how to find out Chris Dave's upcoming tour dates? I have to check him out live... Any tips would be appreciated!

[weekiwi]

Found a couple:

http://www.northseajazz.com/en/program/2011/saturday-9-july/14873_roy-ayers-pete-rock-and-robert-glasper-experiment

http://www.northseajazz.com/en/program/2011/friday-8-july/14982_pharoah-sanders-quartet

North Sea, here I come. Yeeeea!!! (:

[Schatzm89]

Yes!! He's in D'Angelo's Tour-Band in 2012! unbelievable...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etxFu7HgeB0

[Countach]

Chris' latest videos... High quality video and audio. Hot off the presses. Killer drum innovator and visionary!

http://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisDaddyDave

[Numberless]

jesus christ those new videos are so freaking insane, he's a monster, his groove is out of this world.

[bradydrums]

Check out Chris on last night's BET Awards with D'Angelo. We were thrilled to see Chris tearing it up on a unique 5 snare drum Brady kit! (Love that 20" kick too!)

http://gawker.com/5922750/heres-dangelos-first-televised-performance-in-twelve-years

[jsquie]

Hes coming to my home town with robert glasper soon, I don't find him spectacular, but I will see him. His stuff does have some underlining....importance, but i just think he fills bars whenever he can. I am not being any bit racist AT ALL, but his playing does represent much of the rap/hip hop live playing of today with the likes of mos def and the co. I can't think of many drummers like him, but....lets say, spanky. They seem to fill bars and sub divide whenever they can, I suppose a modern equilivalt of, say, Tony williams? I dunno, just not as appealing to me as jojo or stanton moore. I will say though, I haven't heard him play much. I will see him though, of course! does anyone have any groove playing of him?

Check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIUhWgwI4LY

His work with the Robert Glasper Experiment is revolutionary from a drumming standpoint (IMO), he incorporates the interesting and influential feel of produced hip hop beats into his Jazz and RnB playing, particularly that of legendary hip hop producer J-Dilla who unfortunately passed away in 2006. One of the things he does is play with the snare drum way on top of the beat but the hi hats behind while at the same time playing in between straight and swung.

He's pretty awesome

[Sesshoumaru]

Check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIUhWgwI4LY

His work with the Robert Glasper Experiment is revolutionary from a drumming standpoint (IMO), he incorporates the interesting and influential feel of produced hip hop beats into his Jazz and RnB playing, particularly that of legendary hip hop producer J-Dilla who unfortunately passed away in 2006. One of the things he does is play with the snare drum way on top of the beat but the hi hats behind while at the same time playing in between straight and swung.

He's pretty awesome

He and Robert Glasper are arguably the central figures in transforming modern jazz. Its interesting to me because they have distinct hip hop backgrounds and have successfully merged jazz influenced hip hop elements with modern jazz scene. Chris Dave's drumming is revolutionary on both ends because he doesn't yield to the idea that the drummer is primarily a background component in live music.

Right along with Jojo he's showing that the drummer CAN be the centerpiece.

[HoM3R]

http://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisDaddyDave?feature=watch

Link has been Shared before but "Chris Dave and the Drumhedz Mixtape" is now available as a playlist on his channel. It took some time but the end product is alot more then I expected.