Dave Smith is a drummer, rhythm educator, and founder of the Dave Smith Rhythm Academy and Rhythm Skool—a global community of musicians developing internal pulse and unshakeable timing through body-based rhythm training.

Performance & Recording:

Dave is best known for his six years touring and recording with Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters (2012-2018), including two albums on Nonesuch Records: lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar (2014) and Carry Fire (2017). Performance highlights include Glastonbury Festival, Austin City Limits, Sydney Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall, and appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, and Live with Jools Holland.

As co-leader of Fofoulah and Outhouse Ruhabi, Dave pioneered groundbreaking fusions of West African Sabar drumming with European jazz, releasing albums on Glitterbeat and Loop Records. He has also worked with Juju (with Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara), recorded for Rachid Taha and Bassekou Kouyate, and performed with Patty Griffin, Donny McCaslin, Chrissie Hynde, and Eddie Henderson.

Current projects include Lorikeet, Aurum (Rebecca Nash's contemporary jazz trio), Henrik Jensen Trio, Out Front, The Free Four, Black Eyed Dogs, Cloudmakers Trio, and Fofoulah.

West African Studies:

Dave's immersion in Sabar drumming began with an inspirational trip to The Gambia in 2002, where he studied with Wolof master drummers. This deep rhythmic foundation—learning to feel pulse in the body before playing—transformed his approach to rhythm and has become central to his teaching methodology. Supported by Arts Council England, PRS Foundation, and the BBC Performing Arts Fund, Dave led collaborative projects in The Gambia that resulted in Outhouse Ruhabi and performances at major festivals including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Festival Africolor in Paris, and London Jazz Festival.

Rhythm Education:

Since 2021, Dave has focused on rhythm education through his Rhythm Academy and Rhythm Skool community. His proprietary Triangle of Inner Pulse method (Step, Clap, Say) teaches musicians of all instruments to develop body-based internal pulse—the foundation for natural timing, groove, and musical connection. Rhythm Skool has grown to thousands of members worldwide, with musicians from jazz, rock, classical, and folk backgrounds working together to move from mechanical counting to embodied rhythm. Dave offers weekly group coaching, personalized video feedback, and intensive programs for serious students looking to transform their timing.

Education & Background:

Born in Norwich, Dave began drumming at age nine. He was awarded a scholarship to Wells Cathedral School (1997-1999) and graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a degree in Jazz Performance (2003). As co-founder of the Loop Collective (2005), Dave has championed original and improvised music through performance opportunities, international exchanges, and Loop Records.

Dave's endorsements include Istanbul Agop, Ludwig Drums, Remo Percussion, Wincent Sticks, Protection Racket, and Roland Drums & Percussion.