David_Lee_(drummer)

David Lee (drummer)

David Lee (drummer)

American jazz drummer and composer (1941–2021)


David Lee Jr. (January 4, 1941 – August 4, 2021) was an American jazz drummer and composer.

Quick Facts Born, Died ...

Early life

Lee was born in New Orleans on January 4, 1941.[1] He played professionally from his early teens, and was a member of bands in the United States Army.[1]

Career

In 1969, Lee co-founded the New Orleans Jazz Workshop.[1] Dizzy Gillespie brought Lee into his band in 1969; soon after he worked with Roy Ayers (1971) and Sonny Rollins (1972–1975).[1] Lee then formed a quartet and continued to work as a sideman.[1]

Ethan Iverson wrote that Lee in recordings by Rollins in the 1970s was "swinging hard in a traditional manner but also perfect for all the varied grooves embraced by '70's jazz".[2]

Personal life

He died on August 4, 2021.[3][2]

Discography

As sideman

With Yoshiaki Masuo

  • 111 Sullivan St. (1975)[1]

With Sonny Rollins

With Charlie Rouse

With Lonnie Liston Smith

With Richard Wyands

  • Then, Here, and Now (Jazzcraft, 1978)[1]

References

  1. Will, Patrick T. (2003). "Lee, David(, Jr.)". Grove Music Online (8th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  2. "David Lee Jr". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  3. "Sonny Rollins Catalog". jazzdisco.org. Retrieved September 19, 2021.

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