Yo Chris Dave has nothing on Steve Gadd, Chris will even tell you that himself. Feel and time are more important fast chops and Steve Gadd has all three! There isn't a true student of drumming who hasn't been influenced by Steve directly or indirectly!
Are you sure about that?
I'm well-aware of Gadd's legacy - however, Chris Dave isn't exactly "Lil Ray" down at the "shed" spot, only concerned with learning the latest licks.
Chris DEFINITELY has all three, as well. You may feel Gadd more than Dave, but that's definitely subjective. I also don't like how guys just cling to the past, and hold them up as THE standard, that can't be surpassed. I have uncles right now who'd swear up and down that Micheal Jordan couldn't hold Dr. J's jock strap, lol....
I know many people would deem it blasphemous to even compare Chris Dave to Steve Gadd. However, I call it like I see it. Respect the past for what it is, but don't under-rate the achievements of the musicians of the present, so that a legend can maintain his ranking in some musical hierarchy.
Furthemore, the fact that Chris Dave is somewhat reclusive - when Gadd is world famous among drummers "in the know" - it'd seem even more ridiculous to compare the two. I don't base it off of irrelevant things as that. I base it off what I hear when I hear them play. I'm assuming you're going to say you do the same.
Very well...
~Div