News from Tulane

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.

To more fully understand what makes Chris “Daddy” Dave’s drumming style and prowess so unique, New Wave contacted the head drum instructor in the Newcomb Music Department, Doug Walsh, to provide some professional insight.

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.