ONE LP PORTRAITS: MUSICIANS: M - R: PETER ERSKINE: Peter Erskine: Musician

“Johnny Richards’ writing has always struck me as being bold, exciting, brash, tender AND noble. ‘Cuban Fire’ is his masterpiece, and the Kenton orchestra of the 1950’s with Mel Lewis propelling a stellar group of horn players and soloists and percussionists— including my teacher George Gaber who played timpani on 2 cuts — is the height of big band ecstasy for me. I’ve treasured this album ever since I was young, and listening to it still gives me goosebumps, inspiring me and reminding me of why I’ve always wanted to play the drums. Choosing ‘Cuban Fire’ as my One LP disc was an easy and natural choice.”Peter Erskine: Stage right, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 20th November 2015Stan Kenton: Cuban Fire! released 1956Peter Erskine
Peter Erskine: Musician, Stan Kenton: Cuban Fire!

 

“Johnny Richards’ writing has always struck me as being bold, exciting, brash, tender AND noble. ‘Cuban Fire’ is his masterpiece, and the Kenton orchestra of the 1950’s with Mel Lewis propelling a stellar group of horn players and soloists and percussionists— including my teacher George Gaber who played timpani on 2 cuts — is the height of big band ecstasy for me. I’ve treasured this album ever since I was young, and listening to it still gives me goosebumps, inspiring me and reminding me of why I’ve always wanted to play the drums. Choosing ‘Cuban Fire’ as my One LP disc was an easy and natural choice.” 

 

Peter Erskine: Stage right, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 20th November 2015 

Stan Kenton: Cuban Fire! released 1956 

Peter Erskine