Peter Erskine

One of the most skilled and versatile jazz drummers of his generation, Peter Erskine has anchored big bands, jazz-rock fusion ensembles, and his own small groups. As adept at sophisticated polyrhythms as he is at powerful, rippling solos, Erskine played with the Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson big bands before gaining widespread acclaim as a member of the iconic fusion band Weather Report in the 1970s and '80s. He was also a member of the Brecker Brothers-adjacent Steps Ahead before embarking on a vibrant solo career with 1982's post-bop-oriented Peter Erskine. He has recorded for ECM, including albums with John Abercrombie, as well as with his trio with pianist John Taylor and bassist Palle Danielsson. Since founding his own Fuzzy Music, Erskine has recorded regularly with his Dr. Um Band, featuring keyboardist John Beasley, and collaborated on various projects with Ron Carter, Alan Pasqua, and Danny Grissett.