David Hocker

US drummer extraordinaire David Hocker is at ease in many different styles and settings of interactive and creative music, and many jazz luminaries just rave about his playing and personality.

“David has influenced my playing with his knowledge, openness, and overall feeling he brings to the music. He has a unique approach and is a great asset to any playing or teaching situation.”    Mary Ann McSweeney – Bassist

“David contributes greatly to the musical success of every group he plays with. I’ll call him without hesitation for any type of high-profile gig with the absolute certainty that he will play his butt off. His curiosity, open-minded view of music, and disciplined approach to practice makes him an ideal model for drummers at any level.”
     Harvey Wainapel – Saxophonist

“David Hocker is one of the finest drummers I’ve had the pleasure of playing with. He is truly an artistic musician, original yet maintaining traditional ways of playing and improvising in the jazz idiom. His understanding of both polyrythms and odd meters make him comfortable in the most modern of contexts, yet he can swing with the best of them. David is one of those rare drummers who – while knowing a lot about technique, complex groupings and playing over the bar line – never sacrifices the feel of the music. He makes even the most complex ideas feel like an effortless dance.”   Matt Otto – Saxophonist

“David Hocker is a wonderful drummer and a sensitive, creative musician. I’ve worked with him in many contexts and he always delivers a top notch result. In addition, he is a real intellect and innovator. Everything he does comes from a genuine and sincere creative source. David is one of the finest jazz drummers in LA, or anywhere else for that matter.”   Bill Cunliffe – Pianist

“Playing with David before moving to New York City really lit that creative fire and pushed me to search for my own voice.”   Tony Malaby – Saxophonist

“David Hocker is that rare sort of musician who “gets it” on all levels. He always responds to the moment and demonstrates the deepest empathy in every musical situation that I have had the pleasure to be in with him. It also helps that he possesses ridiculous chops, a beautiful sound on the instrument, and a time feel that reflects all the lightness and buoyancy of his personality.”   Larry Koonse – Jazz Guitarist

“Yeah! Hocker… Sparkling, that dude! His natural wit and instinctive comrade-in-arms vibe flow directly to his drum kit. Great touch, burning time… Sparkling!”
     Putter Smith – Bassist

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