Chris Dave and The Drumhedz to play on campus
The Tulane Lagniappe Series has booked one of the most well-renowned and in-demand, yet under-appreciated, musical talents in the industry today: drummer Chris Dave, who will give a free performance in Dixon Hall with his band, The Drumhedz, on Wednesday (March 6) at 8:30 p.m.
Chris Dave's unique approach to the drum set and his ability to adapt to any music, whether jazz, hip hop or R&B, has put him in a category of his own.
According to Walsh, “What makes Chris Dave such a hot commodity is his unusual approach to the drumset and unusual set-up. He plays very busy, yet in a very musical way. He also seems to bring an almost 'hip-hop' style of playing to traditional jazz, which gives it an unusual and fresh sound.”
Walsh says Dave's unusual set-up is one-of-a-kind. “With most drummers, the snare, along with the bass drum, is the foundation of the beat. Occasionally, a drummer may use a second snare drum as a 'piccolo' snare, giving it a higher pitch than the main one. Chris uses a few snare drums of different pitches, which makes them very melodic unto themselves.”
A native of Houston, Dave has played with many leading musical groups and artists, including as featured drummer on Adele's Grammy-winning album 21.
The Lagniappe series of the Newcomb-Tulane College Office of Cocurricular Programs adds “something extra” to the Tulane experience by introducing students to the unique music and culture of New Orleans. Lagniappe's cornerstone event is a free concert each fall by legendary jazz musician and educator Ellis Marsalis.
Benton Oliver is a junior at Tulane majoring in communication and music.
