Search - Peter Erskine :: Sweet Soul

Impressive effort with autumn feeling to it

Erik Werkman | Utrecht, Netherlands | 10/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a recent re-release of a 1991 recording by drummer Peter Erskine on his own Fuzzy Music label, with Kenny Werner on piano, Marc Johnson on bass and featuring a then relatively unknown Joe Lovano on most of the tracks. There are guest appearances by Randy Brecker (on two tracks), Bob Mintzer (with a majestic solo on the title track) and John Scofield (on three tracks). The setting varies from trio up to septet, the playing is consistently inspirational. The most striking about the album are the excellent compositions: credits are split between Vince Mendoza (three), Erskine (three), Werner (two), rounded out by two standards (Weill's "Speak Low" and Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" and not to forget the delicate ballad opener "Touch Her Soft Lips And Part (a highlight in Joe Lovano's career) by William Walton. Another highlight is the up-tempo and definately Wayne Shorteresque "To Be Or Not To Be". Somehow there is an autumn feeling to the album for me, as it carries a reflective mood as a whole. With over 70 minutes of very good music this album is highly recommended."

THE WHOLE DISC IS A HIGHLIGHT

K. Prousalis | drama GREECE | 04/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"PETER ERSKINE is one the very few jazz drummers worlwide playing very detailed his drum kit with a very intellectual way .He communicates very easily with his subject in a cool and sometimes spiritual way showing first of all that he is playing for his own musical pleasure .THE WHOLE DISC IS A HIGHLIGHT .Refinement has the first word not only here but in every trial of this artist ."