Introduction
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)