The jazz fusion boom of the 1970s launched the careers of some outstanding musicians and in the field of drumming Peter Erskine from New Jersey ranks among the likes of Billy Cobham and Lenny White.

Erskine began playing at the age of four and as a teenager went on to study percussion at Indiana University. After leaving college his first professional gig was playing for the legendary Stan Kenton Orchestra, an outfit responsible for launching the careers of many top jazz men. Erskine left Kenton's band to occupy the drummer's stool in Maynard Ferguson's ensemble and following a two year stint with Ferguson, Erskine left to join the aclaimed jazz fusion band Weather Report, spending four years with the group and recording five albums. It was during his time with Weather Report that Erskine forged his rapport with bass player Jaco Pastorius, later joining Pastorius in the bassist's own big band project Word of Mouth.

Erskine has become an inspiration to drummers all over the world and his work with the Bob Mintzer Big Band is viewed by many percussionists as a masterclass in how to play drums in a big band format. He remains one of the most innovative and creative players on the international jazz circuit combining his life as musican with his position as professor at the Thornton School of Music attached to the University of Southern California.

Peter Erskine

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