Search - Peter Erskine :: Behind Closed Doors 1

Interesting collection of previously unreleased music

Erik Werkman | Utrecht, Netherlands | 09/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This a collection of previously unreleased music in a wide range of settings (solo, trio, small group, big band) with of course Peter Erskine drumming on all tracks, recorded between 1991 and 1996. Fortunately Peter Erskine's label Fuzzy Music has granted us the opportunity to share in the joy of hearing this diverse music. "Bulgaria", "If Only I Had Known", "Northern Cross" and "To Be Or Not To Be" are Erskine compositions performed with the German WDR Big Band, a regular musical partner of Peter Erskine. Especially "Bulgaria" is a highlight, over ten minutes long, beautifully arranged by Bill Dobbins and driven forward at the drumkit in an unbelievable way by the composer. "Herbie Nichols" (written by Kenny Werner), "Sweet Soul" and "Sub Dude" are all from the Sweet Soul sessions (see my review), the title track being an alternate take, with a very different but equally powerful tenor sax solo from Bob Mintzer and "Sub Dude" being a swinging drum solo. "Milagro" and "Caribe" are strong Alan Pasqua compositions, also found on the magnificent Erskine/Pasqua release "Live At Rocco" (see my review), here played with John Patitucci on bass instead of Dave Carpenter. It is interesting to hear how these pieces have evolved from then until the aforementioned Live At Rocco recording. The album, with 70 minutes of music, is rounded out by the surprising Indian-Cuban piece "A to Z". All in all this is a must for any Peter Erskine fan, be it because of his drumming or composing skills, and for any lover of honest original "modern" (not being avantgarde) diverse jazz music, that shows that Peter Erskine is not only a drummer but also a composer to be reckoned with."