David Lee (drummer)

David Lee Jr. 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.

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 and Sonny Rollins. 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".

With Yoshiaki Masuo

With Sonny Rollins

With Charlie Rouse

With Lonnie Liston Smith

With Richard Wyands