Performance Spotlight: Peter Erskine (1 of 2)

Peter Erskine performs for us during our shoot for the Vic Firth Factory Tour DVD! Peter is using his signature Big Band Stick, which mixes elements of the 5A and the 5B with a long taper for excellent rebound!

[@juanamado9508]

Peter makes music on those drums like few drummers can. There are thousands of drummers who are faster and more acrobatic, even he will agree to that. But, the level of musicality, the phrasing, the spaces he leaves, and the tastefulness with which he plays are unrivaled. He is speaking through his instrument and what he is saying is worth listening to!

[@lucarebecchi5680]

I agree!

[@drv30]

Just do yourself a favor and check Brian Blade out.

[@elcucuy138]

I agree with you totally!

[@rhythmista7707]

This isn't a drum solo..It's a trip into the smoothness and coolness of Mr. Erskine's world of drumming bliss..

[@gustavoestevam5263]

+Rhythmista Indeed !

[@lorenzmuller3542]

+Rhythmista it's music. it's tone. it's... yeah.

[@jordanbouma12]

This has got to be one of the most musical drum solos I've ever seen.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Another one of my favorite drummers. Peter is very unique in his style. His playing is outstanding and he knows how to groove well.

[@shanemeehan551]

A master of the highest order! Thankyou! For those of of you who don't know the work of Peter Erskine.. I suggest you do some homework.

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Unhurried, masterful virtuosity, tens of thousands of hours of practice expressed by a master who needs nothing more than a 4-piece drum set.

[@schmarotzke8205]

And minimal mic setup

[@jeremysdrumming4474]

Buddy Rich said that Peter was one of his favorite drummers early on in Peters career, as talked about in the 2008 Buddy Rich tribute DVD, and I can see why, he is a very complex and creative drummer, as was Buddy, I'm a huge fan of both of them, as well as Gene Krupa, Max Roach, and Louie Bellson, so many greats though..

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Max Roach, Philly Joe, Louis Hayes, Dennis Chambers & Peter Erskine are the drummers that keep me alive !

[@rmirabelle]

Erskine has always been one of my favorite drummers. To really appreciate him best is to hear him play with others. Musicality that is truly second to none. If I were to craft the best word to compliment him, it would have to be "complement"

[@richp4449]

Great, as always, no other musicians needed.

[@drumology2001]

Friggin' inspiring! I just learned about 73 things watching this. :)

[@OFODRUMS]

Wonderful playing. That kit sounds great, too. Love the toms.

[@EthanTheGoalie]

His drumsticks are honestly my absolute favorites but I had never heard of him before. Very happy now to see he is freaking excellent.

[@saladbrain]

Absolutely brilliant. As always.

[@blica1]

the finish on that kit is makin' me cry...simply gorgeous..

[@bball98038]

So beautiful, musical, technical, and dynamic! Love ya Peter!

[@davidcurtis4478]

One of the best kits I've ever heard! and with Peter playing it - the master himself- wow! Love it! David Curtis Drumming

[@lmagine6494]

those toms sound so damn perfect!!!

[@ELsplitterz]

The way he even changes the tone of the bass drum depending on how deep he buries the beater, flawless!!

[@richiehenrydrums]

He always comes up with the coolest melodies!

[@paxgood7373]

it's weird seeing someone for the first time but having known their music, and style of playing forever... I started using his sticks in 09' (my senior year of high school). I just finished my masters in music and I still use his sticks for a special touch every now and again, just when I want that... umph, that musical phwhap, that tender slap. (I use his "piccolo tip" signature sticks). What an amazing player, his playing accents what his sticks are all about (musicality), and I love that he's a big dude! Not enough big boy drummers out there, you can't spell "fast rolls" without "fat roll!" ;)

[@tomlew55]

One of my favs was always weather report, late 70's with Erskine and Jaco...check out the live vids..mind blowing stuff....

[@isaacgrajo1292]

Congrats to Peter Erskine on finally being inducted to the modern drummer Hall of Fame.

[@MikeProgBass]

He looks so happy when he plays…his sound and his touch makes happy everyone!

[@BennJamesK]

You can get a 10" floor if you ask for one... It's just a case of putting the different hardware on. In this video however, I'm fairly sure he's using regular bebop sizes - 18x14 14x14 12x8. I could be wrong though.

[@Horizen3872]

The Man delivers everytime..............

[@luiszuluaga6575]

That sent shivers up my spine! 🙆🏻‍♂️😃🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SeptimusDrumz]

One of the smoothest, most musical drummers in the world for sure.

[@defilord]

How can anyone dislike this...

[@guntherbachmann1349]

Jeez... here comes really ear-catching player! Every his stroke sounds super clean and really really accurate (but not a computer like accuracy). He might be one of my best drum player I've ever seen before, seriously. You know.. some people love buddy rich like passionate, hard sounds but my type is light&organised just like this guy.

[@kingsweetfly7711]

Günther Bachmann ..... Although Peter has some chops , his approach is 100% dynamic and phrasing based ..whatever chops he uses are only useful to him if they support his dynamics and phrasing ...

[@gabrielgomer]

So amazing Peter switched to Tama instead of DW. Tama has som serious richness to their drums and it got pretty clear to me once I saw the Tama announcement vid featuring Mr. Erskine.

[@madsm8561]

Never heard more creative drumming. You can almost here it's a professor behind the kit!

[@OlesBrothersTV]

Thanks Master, absolute the best!!

[@andrummer21]

The way he uses space is simply amazing. And the tone he gets....just perfect.

[@paconunes2836]

Peter Erskine, he's for me an architect who constructs and deconstructs all stereotypes. Unequaled, I invite the drummers not to try to imitate. he holds a copyright. Unique in its high-flying style, of disgusting technical facility that mixes the calm strength (a steel stick in a velvet glove). An unpredictable game full of wisdom. Thank you MASTER PETER for your great rational and irrationalite inspiration. it's the philosophy of a great sage. BIG RESPECT

[@griffot]

Great drumming from Peter. Beautiful touch on the instrument as usual. Pity Firth quietly dropped the nylon version of the unique Erskine ride stick without telling anyone or answering any emails.

[@erictappermusic]

That's gotta be the nicest ride cymbal I've ever heard.

[@solsinclair1909]

There's a difference between being able to play the drums, being a great drummer, and mastering the drum set. This man has mastered the drum set. If you don't see it, you simply cant hear it yet.

[@MasterzOfHardcore]

I love it how he builds up his solo, kind of confuses u in which direction he is going. The people that don't like this, probably do not understand this kind of music, or simply don't like anything this calm and complicated. Sometimes more is less ;) !

[@cammense]

This is astounding

[@AMIR-nw8co]

Great drummer behind Great drums.

[@blica1]

i don't play jazz but i use His signature sticks for just about everything else that i play..Great sticks !

[@drewper73]

Peter Erskine never fails to amaze me. I'm wondering how many drummers are watching this and dissing him b/c he's not playing a million notes a minute.

[@RicoJazz]

Pure delight

[@TimElfring]

this guy is awesome!

[@ndzapruder]

Just...I mean, like...okay. Fine. Okay. I'm laying down my sticks.

[@adan2374]

Lmao that was my reaction after I saw Steve Smith play live at the jazz factory in Louisville with Vital Information...

[@psyne000]

Musical to the maax. That kick is the root of all nasty...!

[@Taikomaniac]

When it comes to bop and broken Jazz Pete's of of my FAVORIES The Dw's sound large for such a small kit. The Kicker is tuned open and ambient just right for bop. Gents Erskine is a master at leaving space and applying dynamics with grace. He loves the drag rudiments and press rolls. That because he digs Blakey and Elvin

[@jeffroganesh]

Comin' from hard hitting stoner rock drumming I started searching a way to improve and evolve, Peter Erskine is now "one of" if not "the one" of my favs. He has the ability to make music on its own by mastering tempo, volume and dynamics. You can have the chops and the speed but if you ain't got the touch and the feel; no way.

[@warem7018]

Thanks!

[@andrewt248]

@ 2:21 ...aaaaaaand we're boppin'! Killer feel from top to bottom, man.

[@jasonren666]

flawless

[@cambumbo77]

I love this clip - Peter is smooth , seamlessly Flowing like water - water can flow, drip, creep or CRASH ! Be water my friend ! #bruceleethelegendthebestever #drums

[@macp988]

that ride sound is just orgasmic... what's the model ?

[@derekmotta6926]

Noe THAT is art my friends.

[@spigots8]

Gentleman, Educator, Mentor and a fine musical director also. He is also a supreme trio player. He is not an aggressive or strident drummer.

[@LanceCampeau]

Damm... I gotta do more "dead sticking"

[@AS5A]

That's right, and nicely done too!

[@drewper73]

I've seen kits like this in magazines but never in person. I've always wondered how the bass pedal attaches to the bass drum when it's 4 inches off the ground. Surely you don't have to buy a special pedal. I'm guessing there's something attached to the bass drum that you would then attach the bass pedal to. Somebody tell me what's up please.

[@MrGanzon]

so fluid................ peter erskine my man

[@daniellllll45419]

The more he is getting older the more I like his style ........

[@FreePig3on]

One song only with drum. Sublime!

[@schmalzreed]

I love that bass drum

[@Kaffyboy]

Nice drums!!!

[@richandglorious]

fantastic

[@pablorobles4970]

does somebody know what reference are the ride and the crash that he is using?

[@nedtruly33]

I know Peter Erskines sister Sally she was a my Friends girlfreind along time ago! The last I heard about her she's a pretty talented artist ! Sally if you read this I was Arabs best friend I remember you .Remember the Day Eric Pepper came over to your house and me you and Eric got stoned in your house in Brigantine.Last time I saw you was at McGuires bar at a punk show they had there in Atlantic City .Sorry about your mother passing away with my heartfelt regards to you and your brother ! Sincerely Dennis Ruley .

[@stephenlandry9061]

All you have to do is listen to him, & that’s it !!

[@tonno6866]

jazz drums kits usually are high pitchded tuned

[@Dizzeegaskell]

Other young drummers need to get in to this shit. The younger guys coming up are amazing, but what we're seeing here is the apex.

[@mrjoshfryer]

What cymbals are those. Expecialy the hats!

[@clarkewi]

He has a magic touch.

[@joshua023156]

I'm assuming he got warmed up around 7:05.

[@7ffeebe0]

GREAT!

[@aMulliganStew]

Mr. Peart mentioned that he studied on Mr. Erskine. I understand why.

[@Tellalca]

always new ideas

[@alfredomaioti9207]

Numero 1!!!

[@Taikomaniac]

The flattened cymbal punctuation i would say

[@TheBigFreckle1]

What's the ride cymbal he uses in this video?

[@jarondavis9795]

who would dislike this?

[@whiteroom05]

anyone know what kind of ride he is using???

[@alexcivijovskidrummermaniac]

also the older players as you get older your playing smooth ens out and your fills do to it's like you look at the old videos of Virgil or Dennis chambers and compare them there fills are much smoother now than twenty years ago. I tend to find each year my fills come cleaner than the previous i don't think you can just practice things slow and expect your playing to smooth en out i think the smoothness that Peter Erskine has only the older players have that preciseness in their playing

[@RockMacDonald23]

is this a jazz series kit?

[@autocrow]

"rushing or dragging?' slaps Petes face. Teacher gets knocked across room with one punch from big Pete. lol

[@PedroMellodrums]

Master!!!

[@robbelk6465]

Amazing talent, best taste,....love it.màkes me hate my jazz chops😂❤ truly a bad ass mofo...weather report..... you know❤

[@alkobateria8362]

what beater is he using ?

[@Samsgarden]

Umm, where are the frenetic, abrupt polymeters and shit?

[@UnNuovaVita]

Can anyone give me an idea of his cymbal setup?

[@drumsvacca]

Bravo Bravo Bravo

[@gumbly]

Fairly sure Peter is using a Zildjian K Constantinople ride here. He also plays a K Custom High Definition ride which is even prettier. You can hear examples of these cymbals at 3w dot mycymbal dot com if you're looking to narrow down your ride sound.

[@drumdemons]

what hats are those?

[@roybeckerman9253]

Is he back with with Tama these days...I lose track. !

[@newspaperlightbulb]

When I first started playing, I thought that Joey Jordison and Chris Adler were the only drummers that mattered in the world; I thought that was as far as drumming has come. Since then, I've grown to prefer funk and jazz music and drumming, and now see that drummers like Erskine have skill that can't be matched.

[@kaimacrae1737]

Alex Menendez AGREE

[@Taikomaniac]

It's the opposite he's under rated your looking at an aged man now in the sixties and seventies was the man with Kenton and even with Weather report. For trivia it was Erskine that helped Weckl get his first big pro break playing with Camillo and Weckl's college roommate Joel Rosenblatt as well. Steve Smith attended quite a few of Pete's clinics during his Jean luc ponte years as well way before Journey

[@bsm6776]

why did he shave the beard

[@AaronJansz]

It's just a matter of perspective and camera angles.

[@hannesjepannesje]

What is that patch on the Tom doing there

[@handidrummed]

+hannesjepannesje It's there to protect the snare drum from scratching the tom.

[@Lovelystevie]

The secret to playing so musical is to sing a musical theme in your head that you play on. Something Peter Erskin masters very well wich makes him a great musicien, not just a drummer. Makes all the difference compared to drummers that just demonstrate while counting measures... Have a 24 measure drum solo to play ? Theme of the song is twelve measures ? Sing the theme twice in your head and solo on it, makes you a lot more musical, not just thinking of technical demonstration...

[@ykillouzz]

This is music