In 2013 I was lucky to study with Dave Weckl for a couple of days whilst he was in Melbourne. I don't know what I respect more. The fact that he was so genuine and giving of his time to help others become better drummers and musicians, or that he shows through his own playing that we can always get better. Every few years I look at a new clip of his and am always impressed by how he's still improved, yet he has set such a high bar since the 80's. He really is one of the greats, and a top bloke!
There's a specific skill Dave has mastered beyond any other drummer in my opinion and I would define it as "orchestration". No one has yet reached this level of refinement in using the whole kit as if it was an orchestra. Every groove , every fill sounds as if it was meticulously crafted by a composer. I have no idea if this skill comes out of raw talent or if it can be somehow developed (maybe a mix of the two). Whichever the case Thank you Dave for keeping us students busy for 40 years! (I do have cursed sometimes in your direction while studying, but in an italian friendly way ;-)
Hi, I remember when I was young I bought my first instructional video from Mr. Weckl. I was so excited to learn so many powerful techniques in the Back To Basic video that I couldn't stop watching it every day. Thank you Mr. Weckl for giving us so much joy and hope in drums. Greetings from Venezuela.
How many of us started a wonderful journey thanks to this this track and Dave's instructional videos? The memories... And still a joy to watch all these years later.
Ahhhh Dave thank you so much for doing this. I've waited a long time to hear you play this again. You've made a super fan super happy to hear this. I was 16 when I first heard Island Magic. It changed my life!! I am now 50 and I just smiled the whole way through!!! Thank you for being a certified GOAT and a great teacher!!
There are certainly a lot of amazing drummers in the world. But DW is just so very special. Yes he has the pure chops, to a lot of learning drummers they think that is what makes him special but isnt. What makes him so unbelieveably special is his musicality, sense of rhythm, time and flow and immense vocabulary. In my opinion, he is the most mesmerizing and enjoyable drummer to listen to of all time.
Absolutely wonderful playing, Dave has been an inspiration for 40 years, and I wish him many more years of music and bringing happiness to people's lives.
The REMO head that I had you sign at BLUE NOTE TOKYO about 20 years ago still hangs in front of me. It motivates me to study drums and music. Thank you! From Japan.
Every beat you play feels like it comes from the soul, and it's clear that you pour your heart into your music. Your dedication to your craft, the energy you bring to each performance, and your unique ability to make complex rhythms feel so effortless is truly inspiring. You’ve not only mastered the art of drumming, but you’ve also elevated it to a whole new level.
I literally wore out my Contemporary Drummer tape playing to this tune. Dave, you have no idea how important this tune and the rest of the CD+1 tape has been to a whole generation of drummers. We can not thank you enough!
Been watching Dave since 1985 when I stumbled on him as a sophomore in high school I was blown away back then and 39 years later I’m still blown away. I own all his studio albums and instructional videos, he is definitely one of my all time favorites! His playing is effortless and simply tasteful!
Amazing! So cool to see Mr Weckl play this again. Tighter than ever with a relaxed and fluid style. So many hours I’ve put in playing along to this to get nowhere near this!! 👌🏻
Mr. Weckl, you are quite arguably the best of a generation drummer, and in very fine and very rare company. Absolute top shelf, have been for decades. And you keep getting better! Thank you.
Tried to learn this in '1988' when I bought Contemporary Drummer + One, still can't play in '2024'. Wow that performance was absolutely fabulous!! Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, and Vinnie Colaiuta are the greatest players of all time!!
I was 30 when Master Plan came out. It was the first CD I bought, and marked the start of my record collection transition from vinyl to CD. Island Magic is one of my favourite tracks. Great to see it played again. What a drummer!
I recall more than 8 years ago I had to play this piece among others for my final exam for modern drumset studies!!! The memories! Thanks for (re)-creating this masterpiece!!!
Incredible. You make your drumming look so easy. I have been amazed by you since your explosion onto the music scene with Chick Corea and the Elektric Band. Thank you so much for the gifts that you continue to share with us!
I’ve went back and forth between Weckl and Colaiuta for 35+ years…each has brought so much to the world; so glad Dave is doing these videos of his older tracks!
What is excellence? Some have said it's the ability to endure pain. This is accurately represented here, from a man who has clearly journeyed through multiple grueling rounds of the "10,000 hours", maniacally focused on his craft. Like many have stated here, he was an inspiration to watch in his younger years - today, he exhibits an elevated force, a humble aura and economy of motion that is something truly special. I consider his performances as something beyond just drumming. It's a positive example of what one can achieve, what is possible in your chosen field of study. We can all pursue the joy of life-long learning.
In 1991 I saved for weeks of my school pocket money to order the original CD where this song appeared. I had two CDs of the Elektric Band, then, I looked in music store catalogs for Dave Weckl albums, and I saw this one. At that time in Bogota downtown there was a CD music store where you can order the CD import, it would take a couple of weeks and some extra dollars compared to the US retail price, but this one is priceless: since then I played and learned all these songs, this one is extra difficult and I like it so much! The composition and the performance are wonderful. Hearing this played 33 years later by Dave Weckl himself is amazing. Thank you!
Come tutte le sue performance, anche questa è al top! Ogni volta, e' sempre un grande piacere osservare questa sua grande arte nel suonare!!! Ciao Dave 🎶👍👏🍀.
This is amazing! 🥁🔥 I asked Dave in 2017 about Island Magic lesson for RUclips when was in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 because it’s a very popular drumles track. He said he would probably not do a RUclips version.. but 7 years later he did it!!! I’m so grateful this is my favorite Dave Weckl song! 🎉🥁🔥🙏🏽
He's just monstrous! What a player. I've seen him live a couple of times in Manchester, UK and he is simply amazing. Like so many others, I got the Back to Basics video for my birthday and was stunned. To me, probably the finest, most versatile drummer on the planet. Love you to bits !! Simon x
I am missing the K\Z Hi Hat, K Custom Ride, And a Piccolo Snare, like it was in a Next step, and Back to basics Videos 🙂 Ohh I forgot the 8 inch tom-tom...... Why!? where is my tom tom Dave!? Where is the the sound you did in the Master Plan album!? where is My Yamaha Custom Cherry drumset!? I really want the old Dave Weckl sound! with the triggers, and a big effects rack behind the kit! :-))))))) you really changed my live/ I was listening to your records for hours ;-) Thank you for being such a great Inspiration Dave!
In 2013 I was lucky to study with Dave Weckl for a couple of days whilst he was in Melbourne. I don't know what I respect more. The fact that he was so genuine and giving of his time to help others become better drummers and musicians, or that he shows through his own playing that we can always get better. Every few years I look at a new clip of his and am always impressed by how he's still improved, yet he has set such a high bar since the 80's. He really is one of the greats, and a top bloke!
Wow, this brings back memories!!❤
Loved it back in ‘86, love it in 2024!!! Keep up the drumming Dave!
Dave's technique is the most beautifully elastic I've ever heard.
Dave have never met a drummer like you, you are and you will be my best drummer of all times
There's a specific skill Dave has mastered beyond any other drummer in my opinion and I would define it as "orchestration". No one has yet reached this level of refinement in using the whole kit as if it was an orchestra. Every groove , every fill sounds as if it was meticulously crafted by a composer. I have no idea if this skill comes out of raw talent or if it can be somehow developed (maybe a mix of the two). Whichever the case Thank you Dave for keeping us students busy for 40 years! (I do have cursed sometimes in your direction while studying, but in an italian friendly way ;-)
Hi, I remember when I was young I bought my first instructional video from Mr. Weckl. I was so excited to learn so many powerful techniques in the Back To Basic video that I couldn't stop watching it every day. Thank you Mr. Weckl for giving us so much joy and hope in drums. Greetings from Venezuela.
How many of us started a wonderful journey thanks to this this track and Dave's instructional videos? The memories... And still a joy to watch all these years later.
Ahhhh Dave thank you so much for doing this. I've waited a long time to hear you play this again. You've made a super fan super happy to hear this. I was 16 when I first heard Island Magic. It changed my life!! I am now 50 and I just smiled the whole way through!!! Thank you for being a certified GOAT and a great teacher!!
The king of the Drums 👏👏👏🥁🥁🥁🤟🤟🤗🤗
Dave's precision is ridiculously astonishing. A true master of his craft!
Dave once again on Jedi level: total mastery of the instrument and deep musical wisdom.
After nearly 40 years, this song is such a great canvass for your drumming prowess Dave!
There are certainly a lot of amazing drummers in the world. But DW is just so very special. Yes he has the pure chops, to a lot of learning drummers they think that is what makes him special but isnt. What makes him so unbelieveably special is his musicality, sense of rhythm, time and flow and immense vocabulary. In my opinion, he is the most mesmerizing and enjoyable drummer to listen to of all time.
Absolutely! Nobody quite like him!
Sheer talent, good taste, perfection and awesomeness all in one amazing guy. It's almost unfair 😂. God bless you, Mr Weckl!
Absolutely wonderful playing, Dave has been an inspiration for 40 years, and I wish him many more years of music and bringing happiness to people's lives.
those drum tones are superb and the cymbals are nice and bright just a brilliant all round sound, thank you Mr Weckl.
The REMO head that I had you sign at BLUE NOTE TOKYO about 20 years ago still hangs in front of me. It motivates me to study drums and music. Thank you! From Japan.
I saw Him play last Saturday in Tokyo. The best drummer I’ve ever seen. I hope he comes back to Japan again.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This really takes me back. This was basically the first song that got me hooked on Dave Weckl.
Also, those toms sound delicious!
Nice to witness pure talent.
Every beat you play feels like it comes from the soul, and it's clear that you pour your heart into your music. Your dedication to your craft, the energy you bring to each performance, and your unique ability to make complex rhythms feel so effortless is truly inspiring. You’ve not only mastered the art of drumming, but you’ve also elevated it to a whole new level.
He is the master of orchestrated drumming, very musical.
I was first introduced to this with your amazing Contemporary Drummer +1 ... couldn't play it then can't play it now but I always LOVED this track!
Extremely difficult, if not impossible to say anything new about this man. Let's just enjoy his playing!
Smooth as silk, everything he does is perfect 👌👌👌
I literally wore out my Contemporary Drummer tape playing to this tune. Dave, you have no idea how important this tune and the rest of the CD+1 tape has been to a whole generation of drummers. We can not thank you enough!
Been watching Dave since 1985 when I stumbled on him as a sophomore in high school I was blown away back then and 39 years later I’m still blown away. I own all his studio albums and instructional videos, he is definitely one of my all time favorites! His playing is effortless and simply tasteful!
Amazing! So cool to see Mr Weckl play this again. Tighter than ever with a relaxed and fluid style.
So many hours I’ve put in playing along to this to get nowhere near this!! 👌🏻
You and Vinnie hands down best drummers i ever heard. Defo the Godfathers of modern drumming. X
I hope I meet you one day.
25 years ago in my teens I used to listen to your music everyday. You were my favorite drummer for sure.
.....amazing!!!!!!
This album changed my life.
This song got me into the University of North Texas School of Music. Thanks, Dave!!
Mr. Weckl, you are quite arguably the best of a generation drummer, and in very fine and very rare company. Absolute top shelf, have been for decades. And you keep getting better! Thank you.
Self actualized... self realized. What happens when you have the proper support and encouragement in life. A joy to watch!
The Master Dave Weckl, amazing, a song from 80 and still go on impressive
INSANE-UNREAL-BETTER THAN EVER! 💙💙
And that's how you do that... Still the gold standard after all these years ... Still an inspiration for me after all these years. Thank you Mr Weckl.
Tried to learn this in '1988' when I bought Contemporary Drummer + One, still can't play in '2024'. Wow that performance was absolutely fabulous!! Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, and Vinnie Colaiuta are the greatest players of all time!!
A true Master. Dave is one of the absolute greats and what an inspiration he is. Just listen some of the guy going around now. You'll hear Dave. 🙏
I was 30 when Master Plan came out. It was the first CD I bought, and marked the start of my record collection transition from vinyl to CD. Island Magic is one of my favourite tracks. Great to see it played again. What a drummer!
simply awesome !!! one of the best!!! a true virtuoso !!
I recall more than 8 years ago I had to play this piece among others for my final exam for modern drumset studies!!! The memories! Thanks for (re)-creating this masterpiece!!!
Incredible. You make your drumming look so easy. I have been amazed by you since your explosion onto the music scene with Chick Corea and the Elektric Band. Thank you so much for the gifts that you continue to share with us!
Island Magic-Still one of my favorites since 1995.
That was so fantastic! Dave, you never fail to inspire, over all these decades.
he is the Best . PERIOD !!!
Damn, that is some sparklingly fresh groovin' in 7! What a great start to the day. Thank you for sharing this, Dave!
Oh my wow one of my favorite ever songs!!! I enjoyed every second of it. Heard it in 1998 first time, all this time still sounds fresh. Thank you!
I’ve went back and forth between Weckl and Colaiuta for 35+ years…each has brought so much to the world; so glad Dave is doing these videos of his older tracks!
Beast Mode !!! ... legendary Dave Weckl!!
What is excellence? Some have said it's the ability to endure pain. This is accurately represented here, from a man who has clearly journeyed through multiple grueling rounds of the "10,000 hours", maniacally focused on his craft. Like many have stated here, he was an inspiration to watch in his younger years - today, he exhibits an elevated force, a humble aura and economy of motion that is something truly special. I consider his performances as something beyond just drumming. It's a positive example of what one can achieve, what is possible in your chosen field of study. We can all pursue the joy of life-long learning.
In 1991 I saved for weeks of my school pocket money to order the original CD where this song appeared. I had two CDs of the Elektric Band, then, I looked in music store catalogs for Dave Weckl albums, and I saw this one. At that time in Bogota downtown there was a CD music store where you can order the CD import, it would take a couple of weeks and some extra dollars compared to the US retail price, but this one is priceless: since then I played and learned all these songs, this one is extra difficult and I like it so much! The composition and the performance are wonderful. Hearing this played 33 years later by Dave Weckl himself is amazing. Thank you!
now a day you have your own style and sign!! good job Dave!!
i ear you since 90s
Awesome! Was a fan of Dave Weckl in my teens
❤
This reminded me why
😊
I love how you can tell he's STILL practicing and working on stuff. So inspiring.
Incredible drummer, absolutely awesome!
THE BEST over three decades
Come tutte le sue performance, anche questa è al top! Ogni volta, e' sempre un grande piacere osservare questa sua grande arte nel suonare!!! Ciao Dave 🎶👍👏🍀.
This is amazing! 🥁🔥 I asked Dave in 2017 about Island Magic lesson for RUclips when was in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 because it’s a very popular drumles track. He said he would probably not do a RUclips version.. but 7 years later he did it!!! I’m so grateful this is my favorite Dave Weckl song! 🎉🥁🔥🙏🏽
Maestro de los maestros genio Dave sos mi inspiración , saludos desde Argentina
Play along...yeh right...I wont live long enough to do that! Haha. There are no words to describe just how good Dave is...
He's just monstrous! What a player. I've seen him live a couple of times in Manchester, UK and he is simply amazing. Like so many others, I got the Back to Basics video for my birthday and was stunned. To me, probably the finest, most versatile drummer on the planet. Love you to bits !! Simon x
I absolutely love this latin track and amazing drums as usual Dave.
My idol 🎉 💚🥁
Just killin' it Dave. The kit sounds incredible. Thanks for the all the work you put into the craft. A true master of the drums. Wonderful to hear.
loving me some Dave Weckl this day! great track,. Flawless ❤🙂
Wow. I did a cover of this last month as a tribute to you. Thanks Dave for the continued inspiration. I love everything you have done and will do.
This track still gets me. Great stuff! Thank you, Dave!
Dave showing how it's done! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
One of the greatest to do it 🙌 been at the top of the game for 4+ decades!
What a wonderful performance, as always!!!
Wow ripeto wow , grande Dave!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
so freakin smooth, dynamic, accurate, beautiful, artistic, dramatic, surprising, mind-blowing.... --J. Scott
Watching you drumming never gets old. Still the goat!! 💪🔥
Wlwww wowww all start forever!! Teacher! I love 🔥🔥🔥
Grandiose. I saw Dave back in 1991 in Germany with the Electric Band. I love to see him play. Best man. Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland.
Dave Weckl is indeed one super star and prodigy in drumming👌👍
Good to hear again from you sir Dave thank you for your. Music ❤
One of my all time favorite pieces from Dave!
First-class playing as always, Dave! :)
Dave is an absolute master. This track as well as Garden Wall are great tracks for practicing.
Amazing ! Thanks so musch 🎼🥁👍😉😊
Amazing 👍👍👍
This is awesome. Good job Dave
Favoloso ! ho sempre voluto imparare questo brano grazie❤
Thanks for posting that was amazing! Way better than the VHS I bought back in the 1993 called "back to basics"
Awesome as always!
I am missing the K\Z Hi Hat, K Custom Ride, And a Piccolo Snare, like it was in a Next step, and Back to basics Videos 🙂 Ohh I forgot the 8 inch tom-tom...... Why!? where is my tom tom Dave!? Where is the the sound you did in the Master Plan album!? where is My Yamaha Custom Cherry drumset!? I really want the old Dave Weckl sound! with the triggers, and a big effects rack behind the kit! :-)))))))
you really changed my live/ I was listening to your records for hours ;-) Thank you for being such a great Inspiration Dave!
Holy cow! ❤❤❤❤❤ Just wow!!!!
Absolutely mindblowing. I'm speechless.
so smooth...so effortless...
FANTASTIC!
Wooooooooooooooooooow king off Drums Dave 👑
Drumming at another level!!
My favourite drummer of all time 😂🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ brilliant dave , back to basics ❤❤❤
In many ways I like the original recording of this from the 1980's
But this one definitely has its moments as well !
I love them both 👍🎶
Totally inspirational performance!🙏🏽
Amazing as always
That was great!!!