Dave Weckl/Tom Kennedy Project

Drummer Dave Weckl and bassist Tom Kennedy became friends in their teenage years, growing up in St. Louis, Missouri - a city with a strong cultural identity, especially in blues, jazz, and ragtime.

Watching them perform is experiencing a continuous flow of joy in playing, playful wrists, and big smiles delivering energetic and groovy music in a music genre they themselves help define and develop, namely: Jazz fusion!

The quartet has an extensive repertoire and will take us on a musical journey consisting of Latin, Afro-American, and modern jazz rhythms - with music created in the moment.

The dynamic duo of Weckl/Kennedy has been playing together for several decades, touring with various bands and appearing on each other's solo albums. Their recent projects where they played together include "New Start" (2024) by Kennedy and "The Dave Weckl Band Live In St. Louis At The Chesterfield Jazz Festival 2019". The latter album received this review:

"The rhythmic section of Weckl and Kennedy shines on 'Rythm-a-ning', it's a musical display with drums and bass. Proof that the rhythm section is the heart and soul of any ensemble." - Modern Drummer

Weckl is one of the most respected and sought-after drummers in the jazz world. As a relatively young musician, he played for Chic Corea's acoustic and electric bands, in an era when jazz music flourished on the vibrant island of Manhattan.

"Sophisticated musicians (...) Dynamic and heartfelt" - Modern Drummer

About "New Start":

"A gem from the studio" - All About Jazz

"Kennedy and Weckl lead the way on every single track, with their rhythmic brilliance, dynamic musicality, and clever changes" - All About Jazz

Kennedy's rule for a jam session is clear: Leave your ego and cellphone at the door. Replace them with a joyful attitude, be loose and relaxed, ready to play, and have fun!

Line up:

Dave Weckl – drums
Tom Kennedy – electric bass
Stu Mindeman – keyboard
Eric Marienthal – saxophone