David Lee (drummer)

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

Early life

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

Career

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

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".

Personal life

He died on August 4, 2021.

Discography

As sideman

With Yoshiaki Masuo

• 111 Sullivan St. (1975)

With Sonny Rollins

• Next Album (Milestone, 1972)
• Horn Culture (Milestone, 1973)
• Sonny Rollins in Japan (Victor, 1973)
• The Cutting Edge (Milestone, 1974)
• First Moves (Jazz Door, 1974)

With Charlie Rouse

• Two Is One (1974)

With Lonnie Liston Smith

• Astral Traveling (Flying Dutchman, 1973)

With Richard Wyands

• Then, Here, and Now (Jazzcraft, 1978)

References