"Gino Vannelli, Kate Schutt & more!"
UPDATE:
- I've finished basic tracking for Gino Vannelli's next album "Dutch Beat". This is an amazing cast of musicians and the music is just killin'! Due to be released first in Europe this fall (and a touch later in the states, I believe). Fans old and new should dig this one.
- I've also JUST returned from Toronto where I recorded 2 of the tracks for Kate Schutt's next release. Invloved with the session were Teri-Lynne Carrington on drums (Herbie Hancock and just about everyone else), Orrin Evans on Piano (Mingus Big Band and just about everyone else), horns arranged & Performed by John Ellis (plays with everybody) and a whole bunch more folks that are to come and do some more work. Kate is a beautiful Singer, creative songwriter and wonderful guitarist from the Toronto area (orginally a Philadelphia & Boston girl, tho). This is definitely one to check out.
- Also released this summer is an album I did with Mike Pardew (gtr) and Micah Kassell (drms) in Portland, OR. Great players and some very interesting tunes! Very rocking and heavy jazz happening here... not for the faint of heart ;)
- More sessions in the works later this summer that I'll definitely let you know about (some pretty exciting ones actually!).
"Erskine Perspective" Review: Bass Musician Magazine - Apr. 2008
Damian's book proves to be another well thought out text on presenting the fundamentals for any player to consider. A commendable array of scales, modes, chords, and their inversions are covered in depth, and presented in a well thought out manner. A nice touch to an instructional aid such as this is presenting personal insight as far as applications of the material presented are concerned, to help take the reader a step closer to beginning to grasp an understanding of "how it all works", (admittedly a "very" open subject) and this text exemplifies that well in it's presentation. Add to that his discussion of chord connections and their applications, and chord shapes to enhance a visual perspective, and you've got the makings of a text well worth considering. Included are a few transcriptions of Damian's solos off his CD "Trios", which after close examination shows how this approach he has presented certainly works well for him personally, as well as musically. This always helps give credence to considering any individuals personal presentation of what to spend your time on in the quest to becoming a more well rounded musician, and beginning to cut a path to discovering ones "voice" on the instrument. Other transcriptions are also included to examine and dissect, which is a well founded tactic recommended by almost every schooled player, and helps complete this books legitimacy as far as being a credible option to check out.
"5 Questions with Damian Erskine" - Bass Player Magazine - Apr. 2008
Damian was featured in a segment in which Bass Player Magazine asks a pro five questions about their thoughts on things musical...
"Trios" Review: Bass Player Magazine - Apr. 2007
"Damian Erskine Trios (damianerskine.com)
While his good genes may help (he's drum god Peter Erskine's nephew), Damian Erskine's significant facility, big pocket, and harmonic awareness are what comes when talent and hard work collide. Trios is Erskine's first disc as leader, and it's an auspiciously musical undertaking. While many bass-led debuts languish in technical self-abuse, Erskine's modern jazz is fresh, listenable, and yes, studded with bass tricks aplenty. (JH)"
"Trios" Review: Bass Guitar Magazine - June 2007
"From the cover, this may look like a standard jazz trio date, but Erskine certainly doesn't play it that way. Rather than stick to standard bass patterns, he uses his Zon 6-string to maintain a free-flowing line that often hews closer to soloing than accompaniment. Great playing, and gorgeous tone throughout."
The Lo-Pass Filter By Bill Murphy & J.D. Considine
"Trios" Review: Abstract Logix (Music Download site)
2007 Release. Six String Bassist Damian Erskine's (yep ! he is the nephew of drummer Peter Erskine) fiery trio recording featuring Salsa and Jazz phenom, Ramsey Embick on Piano and virtuoso Portland drummer, Reinhartd Melz. The the record also features Toshi Onizuka on guitar and Israel Annoh on drums. Trios showcases Damian's musicality that does never gets overshadowed by his serious chops. Recommended !!
