ABOUT ME

David Cohen began taking drum lessons at age 10.  Inspired by drumming legends Buddy Rich and
'Philly' Joe Jones, he studied with famed jazz drummer Vinnie Ruggiero and RPO percussionists
Bill Cahn and John McNeil in his home town of Rochester, NY, and then with Ed Soph at the University of North Texas. Upon his return from
UNT, Dave was invited to join as well as founded a series of popular local and touring bands. In the 80s, he led rock band Backseat Sally, which released a
self-titled album on Atlantic Records along with
an MTV video. Other studio credits include albums
by Glenn Medeiros, Anthony Watson, The Rockin' Rebels, Vic Cottengim, The Dinner Dogs, The Lawnmowers, as well as soundtracks for HBO,
CBS, and TVKO.
 
Dave is a founding member of Prime Time Funk, frequent performers at the Rochester International Jazz Festival as well as the official house band for the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. The 10-piece PTF has released two critically acclaimed CDs: Ready and Willing and Hear and Now. Dave also currently plays with three other bands: Soul Passenger, BLU, and CMD. Soul Passenger released it’s debut self titled CD in 2019.
 
Over the years, Dave has performed with a wide variety of artists including; Gary Wright, Al Jardine, Lou Gramm, Bat McGrath, Carmine Appice, John Hall, Joe Locke, David Clayton-Thomas, Paul Shaffer, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Christian McBride, Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish, Phil Naro,
Kathy Sledge, Randy Bachman, Pat Travers, Bob McGrath, The Cowsills, CeCe Calloway, Russell Thompkins, Jr., Reggie Torian,  Gap Mangione,
The Mambo Kings, Barry Kiener, ‘Sax’ Gordon
Beadle, Rodney Dangerfield, Russell Malone,
Francine Reed and Sherman Robertson (at the
Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France),
Billy Bang, and the Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra.
 
A gifted drum teacher, Dave has 40+ years of experience teaching all levels and ages. Styles
covered include Jazz, Rock, Funk, R&B, Blues,
Latin, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Big Band, Rudiments
and their application to the Drum Set.

He is also an expert drum tuner and technician
for recording and live performances and owns
The Drum Corner, which sells new and used drums, cymbals, percussion, and accessories.

Dave is also on the faculty of Elvio Fernandes (Daughtry) Roc Academy & Camp Roc programs.

Dave is a Noble & Cooley Drums endorser and dealer.