Peter Erskine Trio

Grammy-winning drummer Peter Erskine brings his exceptional trio work to Kuumbwa, featuring pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Scott Colley. Known for his "versatility and love of working in different musical contexts," Erskine has appeared on over 700 albums and played with jazz legends from Weather Report and Steps Ahead to Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall.

This trio format showcases Erskine's more intimate side, drawing from his celebrated chamber jazz explorations of the 1990s. His original trio with pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson created influential ECM recordings that emphasized "understated interplay and collective conversation over solo exhibition." Live performances revealed "a stronger sense of swing, a firmer extroversion" alongside the delicate impressionist sensibilities of their studio work.

Erskine's approach to trio drumming is masterful in its restraint. Reviews describe his "non-invasive approach" and "absolute commitment to service of the song," with "perfect brushwork amongst the best in the drumming corps." Whether "lightly implying the groove with brushes" or creating "heat with his ride patterns, causing rivets to sizzle away," he "always seems to know what's best for each moment."

Pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Scott Colley bring their own substantial credits to this collaboration. Expect a mix of original compositions and reimagined standards, performed with the sophisticated interplay and "telepathic" communication that defines great trio jazz. The music balances "song-like clarity and economy with a sense of adventure," creating an evening where "every note, every phrase, counts."