Chris "Daddy" Dave is a drummer, composer, and bandleader from Houston, Texas. He attended Howard University. He is an influential drummer in jazz, gospel, hiphop, noted for his extremely virtuosic sticking technique and ability to play with a high degree of syncopation. He performed professionally as a gospel drummer with The Winans, before being introduced to jazz audiences nationally through his association with the accomplished alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. He performed on Kenny Garrett's album Standard of Language, before joining the Robert Glasper Experiment and performing on Adele's Grammy Award winning album, 21.
Birth name Christopher Dave
Also known as Chris "Daddy" Dave
Born November 8, 1973 (age 41)
Origin Houston, TX, U.S.
Genres Jazz, Hip hop, Gospel, Pop
Occupation(s) Session musician
Instruments Drums
Years active 1993-present
Associated acts Robert Glasper, The Winans, Adele, D'Angelo, Kenny Garrett, Maxwell, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jose James, Kim Burrell, Dolly Parton, Mint Condition, Angus & Julia Stone
Chris Dave was born in Houston, Texas and began his music career in the late 1980's. He started out by playing in church and credits jazz music as his strongest influence. He states that although his father plays drums, he has never actually seen him play. As a teenager, he was exposed to jazz legends like Miles and Coltrane when listening to music with his father.
Chris Dave blossomed on the drums, eventually graduating from Houston’s prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He studied at Howard University in Washington D.C. where he met acclaimed producers and former Prince associates Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Through this relationship, Chris Dave's professional career began as he started working with R&B band Mint Condition.
