This
video provides a wealth of ideas and information
plus incredible trio performances featuring John
Abercrombie and Marc Johnson.
Peter
demonstrates and discusses his philosophy of the
jazz ride pattern, ride cymbal technique, basic jazz
independence and coordination, improvisation and
composition on the drumset and more. PDF booklet
included.
Expanded Intro
by Peter...
“Time” has been an
object of fascination and study for me ever since I
first played a drum. Learning how to create a rhythm
on its own or with the accompaniment of a band
(during my early years this was almost always in the
form of a vinyl LP record) was an exercise in
music-making trial and error. Traversing the arc
from imitation to creation, ultimately discovering
how to “own” a beat and drive any song or ensemble
to its full potential has been a life-long pursuit.
I like to think that I’m finally beginning to get
it.
“Time” is a musical essential. But I chose not to
label this pair of videos, originally produced in
the late 1980s, as “Timekeeping is Everything.”
Rather, I specifically embraced the notion that
everything we do in the course of making music
should be part of that rhythmic continuum that
provides the pulse and center to any performance or
song. “Time.” So, whether you are playing a simple
beat or a fill or solo, time should inform every
choice you make at the instrument.
The musical performances, exercises and examples
that comprise this video are all meant to encourage
the viewer to regard time as a most-trusted ally and
friend. Listen to this friend … pay close attention
to what time has to tell you … and respect this
friend by giving it the proper space in which to
breathe. The goal is to realize your greatest
potential. Playing from muscle habit is
music-numbing. Make the music feel good and have fun
with the dialogues that are possible within the
rhythm section and the rest of the band.
“Time” is not always so kind when it comes to the
effects of ageing. But I can say with some relief as
well as pride that the contents of this video
compilation have stood the test of time. I may have
lost some hair and increased my waist size over the
years, but the musical truths contained herein have
aged well and I am happy to report that I can still
recognize them.
I wish you enjoyment and, hopefully, some
enlightenment as you view and listen to this DVD. Be
sure to take advantage of the newer/bonus materials
we’ve included in this DVD edition: a brushes lesson
that I filmed in my home studio for the benefit of
the Vic Firth company that fills the one gaping hole
always present in the original VHS series, plus a
terrific performance from a 2004 PASIC (Percussive
Arts Society International Conference) clinic gig in
Louisville, Kentucky with vibraphonist Mike Mainieri
and bassist Tyrone Wheeler. Like much of the other
music on the DVD, these tunes were played without
rehearsal. The glue that holds it all together?
“Time.”
Be sure to also check out a video montage that my
son Taichi Erskine put together (to the
accompaniment of the song “Cats & Kittens” performed
by the Lounge Art Ensemble with Bob Sheppard on
saxophone and the late Dave Carpenter on bass). The
photos represent a life happily spent playing music.
Playing time. Everything is timekeeping.
To paraphrase Willie Maiden, a saxophonist and
composer/arranger who manned the baritone chair in
the Stan Kenton Orchestra when I first joined the
band in 1972, here’s something he would say at the
conclusion of every clinic presentation he made
about (what else?) time.
“Now’s the time to take the time to improve your
time, and I promise: you will have the time of your
life.”
