Record Reviews

PETER ERSKINE ~ AS IT WAS ECM 2490/93 (Barcode: 602547558329) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1992 - 1997 Released: 2016 This wonderful Box Set contains the four albums by the American drummer / composer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist recorded by his trio which included British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are: "You Never KnowFind albums with this title" (ECM 1497) recorded 1992, "Time BeingFind albums with this title" (ECM 1532) recorded 1993, "As It IsFind albums with this title" (ECM 1594) recorded 1995 and "JuniFind albums with this title" (ECM 1657) recorded 1997. The music was mostly composed by the trio members. All these albums were recorded at the magnificent Rainbow Studio in Oslo by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. Erskine, one of the most versatile and open-minded American drummers, who feels at ease in many diverse musical environments, has a long history of cooperating with European musicians, which strongly influenced his approach and brought him closer to the European aesthetics, which is strongly present on these recordings. Piano trios led by the drummer are a relative rarity in Jazz history, but as these albums demonstrate they can be every bit as excellent as those led by pianists. These three Master musicians create superb music together, in the best tradition of the classic piano trio, strongly emphasizing European approach to melody and improvisation, full of elegance and lyricism. The music is all melody based and "well behaved", but can hardly be considered as mainstream, thanks to Taylor´s wonderful performances and rhythmic openness carried out by the rhythm section. The piano parts played by Taylor are a striking evidence of his genius and the fact that he is no longer with us underlines the importance of this reissue, as the individual albums are of course no longer available. But the virtuosic bass parts by Danielsson and fabulous drumming by Erskine are equally worth being heard again of course. As usual with this "Old And New Masters" series, the individual CDs are housed in plain white carton sleeves – a matter of elegance or budget? – and the booklet includes a very long background article, this time by respected critic John KelmanFind albums by this artist, which I seriously doubt many people have the stamina to read these days. Overall this is an absolute must have for all Jazz piano trio lovers and of course British Jazz enthusiasts, who cherish every keystroke by John Taylor, like yours truly. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 11/07/2019Posted: 11/07/2019

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend