As either David Black or Dave Black, this drummer is best-known for an association with Duke Ellington that lasted between 1953 and 1955. Prior to that, he rode his cymbals for many a soloist as the house drummer at the Blue Note club in Philadelphia, backing up Charlie Parker, among others. The flamboyant Buddy Rich was Black's main man despite the vast difference in backgrounds -- the superstar drummer was a self-taught drummer as a child and never learned to read music, while Black studied formally at the Mastbaum School of Music in Philadelphia. Both were great soloists, but Black apparently lacked his model's ambition as a bandleader. "I want to hear "Caravan" with a drum solo," a famous heckle from an early record by the Mothers of Invention, was in reality a call to arms for Black, who was often featured on this tune during his Ellington years and ironically shared last names with the drummer of the former group. After leaving Ellington, Black stepped backwards stylistically. He worked quite regularly with Bob Scobey up until the Dixieland bandleader's death from a heart attack in 1963. The drummer has continued to perform and record, most recently backing up pianist and singer Si Perkoff. Black has also written arrangements that were recorded by bandleader and fellow drum showboat Louie Bellson. He should not be confused with the Dave Black who has written more than 50 instructional manuals for drums. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide