(2-CD set) "On Call" is the 3rd album by Peter Erskine & The Dr. Um Band, a double-CD package with six studio and five 'live' tracks, featuring keyboardist/arranger John Beasley, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, bass phenom Benjamin Shepherd and legendary drummer Peter Erskine. With an album cover that recalls Weather Report's "Night Passage" album (which featured live & studio cuts), the Dr. Um Band realizes the musical potential of fusion and completes a picture that Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter began painting 50 years ago. From the first track's uncanny and authentic evocation of WR to it's thrilling concert cuts, "On Call" is the album fusion fans have been waiting for. Plus, it swings & sounds great.
This is the 2nd Audio CD from the Peter Erskine New Trio, featuring jazz drumming legend Erskine with his nephew and bass phenom Damian Erskine, plus keyboard virtuoso and arranger Vardan Ovsepian (with guests Artyom Manukyan on cello & EVI master Judd Miller). 'In Praise Of Shadows' is sharing the February 17 release date with Erskine's Dr. Um Band album 'Second Opinion. ' From the gentle covers of the Japanese classic pop hit 'Sukiyaki' plus Mexican love ballad 'Marcheta,' to blistering new originals by Vardan Ovsepian and a new Erskine classic ('Each Breath'), this is an album that has something for everyone who loves good music... including a lovely bass ballad by Damian titled 'Begin Within. ' Begin the New Year with the New Trio!
Peter Erskine is Dr. Um, and this album marks a welcome return to the musical worlds he inhabited as part of Weather Report and Steps Ahead. Featuring an incredible drum sound plus compositional appearances by Peter, Joe Zawinul, John Beasley, Gary McFarland, Vince Mendoza and Gustav Mahler, Dr. Um takes the classic fusion sound into the 21st century. This is the album Weather Report might have made were the band still around. This is the album Peter Erskine has always wanted to make. The doctor will see you now!
The Peter Erskine New Trio represents the latest evolution in Peter's musical journey exploring the more intimate realms of improvised music. Pianist and arranger Vardan Ovsepian may prove to be the hottest jazz keyboard discovery in a long time, while electric bassist Damian Erskine (Peter's nephew) brings new luster to the family name. With gorgeous graphics by designer Bob Smith, "Joy Luck" is a joy to behold and hear. The album sports originals, plus covers of tunes by Vince Mendoza, Bob James and Jerry Goldsmith. The album's single is "Joy Luck Club," penned by Peter and it features all three players, including Erskine's marimba-playing debut! Like other Fuzzy Music releases, the audio quality is superb and the music is fresh. Tracks: Joy Luck Club, on Land, on Sea, Man's Dream, Esperanca, Dr. Kildare, Iridescence, Something I Said, Dreaming Paris, I've Never Been in Love Before, Every Tomorrow, Song for Zoey. While the esthetic standard is uncompromising, this will prove to be one of the more listener-friendly Fuzzy titles.
Tenor player Richard Torres was the premier solo voice in the Stan Kenton Orchestra for many years with a sound that is visceral, gutsy, modern, yet rooted in tradition, swing, boppin' humorous and playful, serious and soulful. This album features Richard and drummer Peter Erskine playing a collection of originals with a standard or two for good measure accompanied by Alan Pasqua on piano and Dave Carpenter on bass.
