Ask Peter Erskine

[Lois Gilbert]

I think this is JC's week for drummers. Peter how are you? Delighted to see you register. What prompted you to do so at this juncture

Best Lois

[jaka]

A warm welcome to you, Mr. Erskine.

You don't know me and then, you (or your music, so to say) have been at my side for years now, your trio ECM dates with John Taylor and Palle Danielsson being among my all time favorites, along with the Bass Desires albums and many others where your writing and/or playing is a constant source of pleasure to my ears.

Just wanted to grab this occasion to thank you.

[Other Steve]

Mr. Erskine:

For your brilliant drumming, your personal original music, and for more wayward adventures such as your work with Mark Anthony Turnage and your participation in Jeff Gauthier's "Music of Eric von Essen"...

Many, many thanks.

Steve Smith
(no, not that Steve Smith.)

[Valerie]

Welcome, Peter Erskine, one of my very favorite drummers for many years. You never disappoint, no matter what the context. I will look forward to your participation here. I know you have a lot you could contribute, that's for sure!

[Gentle Giant]

(Interviewer to Walter Becker prior to the start of Steely Dan's first tour since '74, discussing the band): "Peter Erskine was an inspired choice. He's an underrated drummer."

(Becker): "Not in my house he isn't."

Nor in mine. I think Weather Report's 8:30 might have been my first exposure and I've been a fan ever since. One big reason: Taste.

[graypencil]

Welcome Peter;

You've always been up there on my list of favorite drummers ..and composers as well!

Drummers of the world who also write ..unite!!

Phil Kelly
www.philkellymusic.com

[Valerie]

I believe Peter is on tour with Diana Krall. Anthony Wilson is also with the group.

[Lois Gilbert]

From Peter

"greetings from Portugal and the Diana Krall tour, which is (may I say it?) "in full swing"

[bigtiny]

Peter,

years ago, a friend of mine asked you for an autograph before a Maynard Ferguson show in Lakeland Florida. You noticed the Elvin Jones T-shirt he was wearing and offered to trade him your Ferguson band shirt for it...he took you up on it and off they came....still got the t-shirt? =:-)

bigtiny

[Enforcer]

Wow. This is special for me. When I was a young drummer, a good friend of mine exposed me to Peter's music, and I was blown away. There are only a handful of drummers who had a profound influence on me, and Peter is definitely one of them. The music Peter played with Weather Report was outstanding. I also remember a special feature Peter did for Modern Drummer magazine. It was one of those floppy type record inserts that you could pull out of the binding and play on your turntable. It included some playing examples that were also written out in notation on a page in the magazine. I remember playing it for my Mom, and even she was impressed, asking, "Don't you wonder what makes him think of playing that way, coming up with those ideas?"

Anyway, let me just say, Welcome, Peter!

[Valerie]

Peter,

years ago, a friend of mine asked you for an autograph before a Maynard Ferguson show in Lakeland Florida. You noticed the Elvin Jones T-shirt he was wearing and offered to trade him your Ferguson band shirt for it...he took you up on it and off they came....still got the t-shirt? =:-)

bigtiny

I am the proud wearer of a Peter Erskine t-shirt!! Got it when I ordered one of CDs awhile back.

[Ron Thorne]

I'm a bit late to the party, but definitely want to add another warm welcome to a drummer with great taste, finesse and creativity ... Peter Erskine.

Years ago (early 70's and onward), while working in jazz radio at KJZZ-FM in Anchorage, Alaska, I damned near wore out the Weather Report catalog, for starters. Fond memories.

Of course, since those halcyon days in radio, I've been equally absorbed by your many and varied musical partnerships and contributions.

It's wonderful to have you among us, Peter.