Bernstein in Vienna

l asked the question while Peter and I were writing his Legends book, and I'll ask it again... Has Peter Erskine ever made a bad recording? Recently Peter has been talking in his Modern Drummer Jazz Insights column about playing big rooms (and studios) that might present a difficulty for other drummers; so when I saw that Bernstein in Vienna was done in a large concert hall and on (of all things) a Schagerl Brass drum set, I was very intrigued. How would Peter deal with the circumstances of playing a brass drum set in a big concert hall? The answer, masterfully as always! The fact that he is playing beautiful arrangements of Leonard Bernstein music makes this recording all the more special. For us drummers, we can all sit back and enjoy Peter's beautiful touch on the instrument. Peter gives a clinic in touch and getting one's own sound from this completely (foreign) brass drum set. Take the opportunity to appreciate that wonderful sound of the tip of Peter's stick hitting the ride cymbal, and that Zildjian (Mel Lewis influenced) Swish Knocker on the tune "It's Love" That distinctive sound provides no question as to where the time is. And that perfect cross-stick on "Cool" is just well-balanced and played, Alvin Stoller would be proud. And while we're listening to "Cool" check out Peter's nice drum solo played over a walking bass line. The unique instrumentation of rhythm section with guitar, saxophone, harmonica, and violin provides a nice change of (musical) pace. Great arrangements of classic music, and perfectly tasteful playing from one and all — what more could anyone want?