I love this interview by Jake Reed, an ex-student of Peter’s, where Jake asks pertinent questions and lets Peter do the talking. As usual, Peter shares wonderful anecdotes as well as his tips, always relevant and insightful. Don’t be put off by his laid back conversational tone, nor the light touch of his demonstrations!
If you don’t already know Erskine’s CV, do your research. I first witnessed him live with Weather Report in 1982, in the classic Jaco lineup, something I will never forget, which still inspires me today. His books and videos are worthy additions to any drummer’s library. One that I love using is the Mintzer/Erskine big band app on my tablet –
Below is a topic list and location, but I’d urge you to listen right through to sensei Erskine. My favourite educational moments were –
- Evolution of drum sounds in 1960s – 1970s.
- Stylistic differences in Austin Powers soundtrack.
- Importance of developing tone on kit. Posture/setup and its effect on groove and sound. Technique adjustments to enable this, including exercises. Stick choice and its effect on tone.
- Using rimshots with discrimination. Effect of them on microphones in studio, also adjusting your dynamics appropriately. (You know that simpatico feeling you get when a legend endorses something which you had thought yourself, but at times doubted? This was one topic on which I have always sided with Peter.)
- Joni Mitchell session – creating flow. Avoiding the heavy first beat/flam with bass note.
- Playing too much detail in a big band session, losing the essence of the swing as a result.
- Playing with awareness of space!
07:12 On versatility
11:54 Steely Dan
14:10 On confidence
16:50 John Williams
20:24 Gotcha moments
27:18 Heavy talk
29:11 Swing vs. straight
34:00 George Gaber lesson
38:00 Let the mics do the work
40:57 Weather Report
42:00 Mel Lewis/Jeff Porcaro comparison
46:48 The secret to drumming
48:00 More drumming secrets
54:00 Even more drumming secrets
55:00 Seth MacFarlane recording secret
59:20 Rosemary’s Baby music secret
01:03:20 Peter & Jake duet
Thanks for your attention, enjoy the interview. Hope it inspires you, as much as me, to keep evolving on drums.
