Peter Erskine

Peter Erskine - Peter Erskine - 1982 - Contemporary

Drummer Peter Erskine's debut as a leader (originally made for Contemporary and reissued on CD in the OJC series) finds him using top players (most of whom had played with Steps Ahead) in various combinations. Erskine performs a few of his own originals (including an 11-minute "All's Well That Ends" and a short drum solo) plus "My Ship," Wayne Shorter's "E.S.P.," and Bob Mintzer's "Change of Mind." With such musicians as trumpeter Randy Brecker, tenors Michael Brecker and Mintzer, pianist Kenny Kirkland, and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri getting some solo space, this post-bop music (from an often-overlooked set) is of consistent high quality © Scott Yanow © 2010 Rovi Corporation. All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jzftxqugldke

One of the greatest drummers of modern times, and a highly sought after session musician. This s/t album brilliantly demonstrates Peter Erskine's drumming style. Listen to Andy Laverne's "Liquid Silver" album, Weather Report's "Night Passage" featuring Peter Erskine, and Peter's own "Motion Poet" album

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

Leroy Street - R. Brecker, Erskine (7:55)
In Statu Nascendi - Erskine (1:30)
E.S.P. - Wayne Shorter (2:58)
Change of Mind - Bob Mintzer (7:29)
All's Well That Ends - Erskine (11:08)
My Ship - Kurt Weill, Ira Gershwin (5:44)
Coyote Blues - Erskine (4:42)

MUSICIANS

Peter Erskine (Synthesizer), (Percussion), (Drums), (Oberheim)
Eddie Gomez (Bass)
Don Grolnick (Synthesizer), (Piano), (Piano (Electric)
Kenny Kirkland (Piano)
Don Alias (Percussion), (Conga), (Drums), (Shaker)
Eliane Elias (Percussion)
Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer (Saxophone), (Tenor Sax)
Randy Brecker (Trumpet), (Flugelhorn)
Bob Mintzer (Bass Clarinet)
Mike Mainieri (Vibraphone)

BIO

A highly skilled, versatile drummer, Peter Erskine has anchored big bands and jazz-rock/fusion groups. He's known for sophisticated rhythms, distinctive accompaniment, and powerful, rippling solos. Erskine began drumming at three, and participated in Stan Kenton's National Stage Band Camps from the age of six. He studied with Alan Dawson and Ed Soph, attending the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and Indiana University. He played with Kenton from 1972 to 1975, then from 1976 to 1978 with Maynard Ferguson. Erskine joined Weather Report in 1978, and was their drummer and percussionist until 1982. He also did several West Coast sessions in the late '70s, and was a member of Steps and Steps Ahead. During the '80s he worked with John Abercrombie's groups and the quartet Bass Desires. Erskine has recorded as a leader for Contemporary, Denon, Ah Um, RCA/Novus, and Passport Jazz. He's worked with Joe Farrell, Marc Johnson, Mike Brecker, Randy Brecker, John Scofield, Bob Mintzer, Lew Soloff, Kenny Kirkland, Mike Mandel, and Kenny Werner, among others. He has several sessions available on CD. Ron Wynn © 2010 Rovi Corporation. All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll