Books

Renowned drummer and educator Peter Erskine distills decades of experience into Jazz Drumming Perspectives – a comprehensive guide for drummers and anyone working with rhythm. Building on his acclaimed book The Drum Perspective, Erskine shares practical insights on creating music that resonates with both performers and listeners. The book explores diverse styles of jazz drumming and includes online audio tracks showcasing some of Erskine's finest performances, along with transcriptions, charts, and exercises to enhance creativity and skill. Bonus content features a young Erskine at nine years old playing with Stan Kenton and studio videos that capture his artistry. Whether you're a drummer, bandleader, or simply curious about the art of rhythm, this resource offers an inspiring approach to mastering jazz drumming.

The Musician’s Lifeline represents the combined experience and knowledge of the authors gained through their lives in music. In addition, it includes advice from over 150 of the best musicians the authors have the honor of knowing.

Practical yet “off-beat” solutions to just about any drumming situation.

Essential Drum Fills is a collection of fills that Peter Erskine has enjoyed hearing and/or playing over the years. The book includes over 500 drum fills in a variety of styles and ensembles, as well as multiple examples, transcriptions and drum charts.

Erskine was in the midst of the modern American jazz music scene as it underwent its most dynamic change. From the last days of the big band era to the height of fusion…there never was a band quite like Weather Report, and there has never been a more insightful, personal or authentic telling of that band’s story and the musicians who changed music forever. The book is available in paperback, iPad and Kindle editions.

“What makes a piece of music swing?”
“Should we count as we play?”
“When do I play this next note?
In terms of phrasing, should it be ‘behind’ the beat? ‘On’the beat? On ‘top’ of the beat?”
“Why do some groups sound so ‘good’ and rhythmically ‘right’?”
“Why do we dance to the rhythm of music?”

TIME AWARENESS FOR ALL MUSICIANS answers these questions, and more…