David Calarco is probably one of the hottest young acoustic jazz drummers around today. He’s the regular drummer with Grammy- and down beat-award-winning saxophonist, Nick Brignola, as well as the driving force behind Doug Sertl’s Jazz Menagerie big band. He’s a young man working with a young man’s energy, but with a perspective that reflects the traditions and outlook of a much older, more experienced jazz musician. Dave is also an outspoken man, frank and candid in his opinions on jazz and other forms of music, drum sounds, the contributions of other players, and anything else you might care to ask him about. He’s full of ambition, confidence, and a personal philosophy that stresses musical individuality—a characteristic that he displays in every aspect of his playing. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Dave maintains that there is a certain musical and personal attitude unique to musicians from that area. […]

February 1986 Issue