

Eric is the recipient of the Berklee College of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements in contemporary music and earned the highest proficiency grades in the esteemed history of that institution. Eric's recordings have produced several top 10 radio singles including three tunes that reached #1 on its respective chart.
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Having performed in over 80 countries and played on hundreds of recordings, films and TV shows, Eric also has recorded 15 solo recordings including his latest entitled Double Dealin’ with legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker. Saxophonist and The Smooth Jazz Cruise Music Director Eric Marienthal has won 2 Grammy® Awards and has been nominated 8 times as a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, Jeff Lorber Fusion and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. Today, he continues to tour, collaborate with fellow musicians, and run an online school, leaving an indelible mark on the world of drumming and music education. He believes in the power of music to contribute positively to spiritual happiness and encourages parents to nurture their children's musical talents. Throughout his career, Weckl's commitment to inspiring aspiring musicians remains unwavering. He continued to innovate in the field of music education, creating play-along products and teaching materials. In 1998, Weckl achieved his dream of forming a world-touring band, the Dave Weckl Band, releasing several studio records and instructional videos.
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His technical approach evolved after studying with Freddie Gruber, leading to the release of a series of educational videos.

Weckl's influence extended beyond his performances through instructional videos and master classes, demonstrating his dedication to music education. He has recorded numerous solo albums, including "Heads Up" and "Hard-Wired." In 1990, Weckl embarked on a successful solo career with the release of "Master Plan," a landmark album that marked a new era in contemporary drumming. His innovative use of electronic and acoustic drums propelled him to international recognition.

Weckl's career continued to soar as he became a vital member of Chick Corea's Elektric Band in 1985, earning a Grammy award with the Akoustic Band. Collaborations with established musicians like Steve Kahn, Michael Brecker, and Peter Erskine opened doors to significant opportunities, including joining the band French Toast and later performing on the 1983 Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour. In 1979, he moved to the East Coast, where he gained recognition in the New York club scene. He also started playing with local groups and studying under respected teachers like Bob Matheny and Joe Buerger. His early influences ranged from rock legends like the Monkees to jazz greats such as Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd.ĭuring his high school years, Weckl received recognition from the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE) for his outstanding performances in his school's award-winning jazz band. Louis, Missouri, on January 8, 1960, Weckl's musical journey began at the age of 8 when he started playing drums. Along with international tours, Marcus Miller hosts “Miller Time,” a weekly program on SiriusXM.ĭave Weckl, a renowned drummer with over 40 years of experience, has earned a lasting reputation as one of the world's premier drummers. The multi-instrumentalist and world-renowned bassist has also produced his own genre-defying albums, among them The Sun Don’t Lie, Tales, M2, Silver Rain, Free, A Night in Monte Carlo (with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra), and Renaissance. Over the course of his career, Marcus has collaborated with artists as varied and talented as Eric Clapton, George Benson, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Wayne Shorter, Lalah Hathaway and Herbie Hancock. The legendary album Tutu, written and produced for Miles Davis, sealed his international fame when Marcus was only 25.

Marcus Miller, winner of two Grammy® Awards, the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz (Holland), the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France) and appointed UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2013, is not only an exceptional musician but also a highly gifted composer and producer who we are proud to call a host and headliner on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.
