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an four decades, drummer Peter Erskine has proven among the most consistently innovative and reliable masters of his instrument. The Grammy Award-winner has appeared on over 600 albums and film scores, more than 50 of those discs as leader or co-leader. He has collaborated with an astonishing list of giants including Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Wheeler, the Brecker Brothers, Pat Metheny, Gary Burton and John Scofield. But in recent years, Erskine feels he’s strayed from his true love, fusion and R&B drumming. “Dr. Um” marks his return to “the kind of drumming I was best known for in my youth and during my years with Weather Report and Steps Ahead. I think that it represents my best work in ages,” he explains.
Some of the finest jazz artists in New York City grew up just a few miles east on Long Island. Some became pros, some became educators. With a history of great music education programs and top jazz educators, Long Island has a unique jazz scene. The Interplay Jazz Orchestra is a big part of that scene. Formed in 2003 as the Hofstra University Alumni Big Band, the group borrowed some big band charts from jazz professor Dave Lalama and found a steady gig at a local jazz club. As the line-up changed and solidified into its current form, the Interplay Jazz Orchestra was born. Their newest release, “Detour,” features charts by several members of the band, almost half being composed or arranged by baritone saxophonist Chris Scarnato.
Also this week, Des Moines native Dick Oatts co-leads the New York Jazz Orchestra with arranger Mats Holmquist on “A Tribute to Herbie + 1,” featuring the music of Herbie Hancock; Groove Legacy revives the classic sound of The Crusaders on its self-titled disc; and pianist Jon Davis unveils his trio recording, “Changes Over Time,” a mix of his originals and classic tunes by Mal Waldron, Jimmy Rowles, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.