Peter Erskine began playing the drums at the age of four, and has been at the forefront of world-class jazz ensembles for thirty-five years. His first major professional work was with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, which he joined in 1972. After a three year stint with Kenton and a two year stay with Maynard Ferguson, he joined Weather Report in 1978. The excellence of the partnership between Erskine and bassist Jaco Pastorius was an integral part of that group’s success
Pete Lockett is one of the most versatile multi-percussionists currently in the world, having immersed himself in percussion and drums from every part of the globe. The wide range of artists he’s worked with reflects the diversity of his playing.
Pat is widely recognized as one of today’s most prolific drummers, who is also a world class clinician. From his deep funk pocket and swampy, roots grooves, to fiery fusion fills, Pat brings it with musicality, finesse, and uncanny technical ability.
Mike Portnoy was born on April 20, 1967 and raised in Long Beach, New York, where his interest in music started at an early age. “My father was a rock n’ roll disc jockey, so I was always surrounded by music constantly. I had this huge record collection when I was real young and loved the Beatles and then later on Kiss. It was inevitable that I’d become a musician.”
Blackwell, born in Columbia South Carolina, was raised in a very musical family. John’s father, John Sr., was a very well known professional drummer who performed with acts like The Drifters, The Spinners and Mary Wells. John Jr. got his first drumset at age 3 and was brought to many concerts that came through South Carolina by his father. While in high school, John was playing in the High School Jazz and Marching Band while performing every weekend with the Jazz/Fusion group, Robert Newton and Lotusfete as well as with Billy Eckstine.
Born in Havana, Cuba in 1972, Branly began playing drums at the age of 13. Branly has performed with nearly every major group in Cuba in virtually every musical genre from straight-ahead jazz to fusion to hardcore dance music.
Sign up for the Hudson Music email list for the latest info on new releases, sales and exclusive offers.
Sign up for the Hudson Music email list for the latest info on new releases, sales and exclusive offers.
