I have come back to the family!! Aguilar is not only some of the best bass amplification gear on the planet (all made in the USA) but the guys at Aguilar are a true pleasure to work with. They’ve also been developing some AMAZING new gear (pedals, DI’s, pickups, on-beard pre’s, etc..) that truly blow the doors off everything else out there. You just can’t go wrong with these guys..
By Bob Gish
More and more the bass is thought of not just as a solo instrument and the bass man is regarded as a likely front man.
Enter Damien Erskine leading a hip group with a Latin-fusion influence on a host of new tunes, all of them composed by Erskine. He’s the Man and proves it in his inventive compositions and in his imaginative ideas and performance.
Straight out of the shoot with the title track comes Chris Mosley, fusion guitarist par excellence, along side Erskine – a double “E” electrically engineered dynamic duo if there ever was one. Mosley drops the distortion tones for “Fif,” bringing on a more melodic, less affected tone which lends itself well to the foregrounding of Erskine’s electric bass funkiness on this tour de force, eight-minute excursion. Reinhardt Melz and Rafael Trujillo bring it all together with a percussion presence, which, all things considered, brings the entire project together. Latin-fusion is the name of the game here, so
to speak, making So To Speak a fantastically rhythmic offering. Much of the “sound” depends on the exchanges and complements of bass and drums, the bass serving as its own kind of percussive presence. “Kaluanui” features Mosley again on a long solo alongside Ramsey Embick’s piano/organ and Erskine’s bass – capturing a kind of smooth jazz, Foreplay sound without relinquishing the hard-beat fusion character of the group. Embick’s piano solo here both stands out and blends with the group in rapid unison playing. “American Gyro,” is an otherworldly tune made all the more ethereal by Mosley’s effects and harmonics. Erskine, with his slides and slaps, along with and his two “with-the beat” buddies ramp it up into warp-speed power with their rhythmic and percussive boosters. It spins, it sways, it sustains for a full six-minute blast. Traditional meet techno and say how do you do! “Light” softens things down a bit with more piano presence but never loses the edge that characterizes the project, the band, and the sound. “Aslant” resumes the heavy Latin beat with drums more or less defining the experience as, again, guitar and piano, sally forth in fine unison playing and respective soloing by drums and the guitar/piano twins. “Cabrerina” and “Creep” introduce trumpet and saxophones to the core quintet in fine orchestration that makes one, notwithstanding the satisfaction of their predecessor tunes, long for even more reeds and brass. In sum, Erskine and his rhythmic crew take us on an exciting, rewarding trip, so to speak.
All About Jazz review of “So To Speak” (link here) : 3/24/10
Bassist Damian Erskine is a master in the art of rhythmic trickery. Erskine, the nephew of famed jazz drummer Peter Erskine, has put together a program of original music that demonstrates his skills as a bassist, composer, and manipulator of time. The material here, whether placed in an odd time signature or simply feeling like it might be, is fusion-leaning music with some Latin underpinnings. The odd-metered workouts, bass virtuosity, and edgy guitar work from Chris Mosley help the music to lean toward fusion, while the percussion work from Rafael Trujillo, along with Mosley’s note choices and pianist Ramsey Embick’s playing, provide the Latin emphasis.
The fusion/Latin hybridization is best demonstrated on the opener, “Inside Out”—an introduction to the pairing of Erskine’s syncopated bass work and Mosley’s intense guitar lines. When Embick joins in, and the percussion takes on a more prominent role, the music takes a turn toward the Latin side of things. The odd-metered “FIF” opens with a rock solid groove in fifteen. It eventually evolves, through a rumbling percussion solo, and winds up with a completely different feel in five before returning to the original groove. “Kaluanui” has a smoother, more straight-ahead fusion orientation than the earlier tracks and the album benefits from this contrast.
“American Gyro,” featuring some spacey sounds and straightforward delivery, tends to meander and lose focus, but the band quickly rebounds. The music shifts to a post-modern jazz sound on “Light,” and this proves to be one of the strongest performances on the album. Reinhardt Melz provides a steady, enthusiastic ride pattern, while a saxophone/piano combination spins out an absorbing melody line. Erskine’s solo is one of the track’s highlights, and Melz’s move to brushes lends the music a different character. Erskine follows this delightful detour with a choppy, syncopated bass line on the engaging “Aslant,” which brings the band back to more familiar territory.
Rhythmic mastery and the Erskine name continue to be synonymous with Damian Erskine’s smoking performances on So To Speak.
by Dan Bilawsky
Bassist/composer Damian Erskine is the nephew of legendary jazz drummer Peter Erskine. Damian arrives from the West Coast this spring with a distinctively seasoned debut appropriately titled “So to Speak.” According to the press release, Damian’s debut “promises to be one of the most exciting recordings of 2010.”
I’m always elated to hear an artist’s of Damian Erskine’s caliber. On his debut, he attracts equivalent talent with the proper chemistry to achieve the quality of music found on his momentous recording. Therefore, he called on the following talented ensemble of musicians which is comprised of … Reinhardt Melz on drums, Ramsey Embick on piano, Chris Mosley plays guitar and Rafeal Trujillo is the percussionist. Also on hand is John Nastos on tenor horn, Jason Dumars on soprano saxophone, Paul Mazzio plays the trumpet and Derek Rieth working out on percussion.
On the opening selection Erskine’s rhythmic voice ascends progressively as his fingers rumble furiously up and down the fret with symmetrical results on the venomous “Inside Out.” Yes, this young cat came to play with chops galore he stands among the best of his peers yet they’re not imposing to the point of being abrasive … the music here is distinctive, stylish and tastefully managed!
Erskine’s assails his instrument unapologetically as it groans with enthusiasm extending the velocity of his musical vocabulary with the infectious Latin tinge grooves and textures on “FIF.” While connected in fluid motion, Damian’s tenacious voicing doesn’t ease up on the lively “Kaluanui” which complements the previous tune both compositions are in the spirit of his apparent musical influence bassist Jaco Pastorious.
The intensity of music rooted in the frame of “So to Speak,” awakens from within on the African influenced “American Gyro.” This sumptuous composition ultimately transcends style blending coherent rhythms and interrelated melodies for the cross-genre music aficionados to fest their ears on with each play.
The adventurous Erskine approaches his compositions with a sense of urgency on “So to Speak.” He strategically unleashes his voice with each note to increase the pulse with enthralling dexterity many of his rivals have yet to concur.
As a skillful songwriter and arranger, Erskine exudes his sound with three more powerful gems titled “Aslant, Cabrerina and Creep.” Although strikingly similar, on all three cuts Damian Erskine brilliantly fuses the elements of jazz accented with colorful Latin favors challenges the virtuosity of this marvelous ensemble.
Damian Erskine’s “So to Speak,” is simply flawless, rhythmically mesmerizing and underneath it all melodically transparent! “So to Speak,” by Erskine escapes the spoils of commercialism untarnished to unveil a musical gem that want disappoint even the hard to please music enthusiasts! Recommended: –Rob Young
http://theurbanflux.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/damian-erskine-so-to-speak/
This might be my favorite review yet! ;)
“Wow, I love this record! Portland, Oregon resident and No Treble contributor Damian Erskine has produced an essential record that’s a real joy to listen to. So to Speak combines odd meters, Afro-Cuban percussion, passionate playing and carefully crafted arrangements to create a fine jazz fusion record. Damian composed all the tunes and his rich, sonorous bass playing is at the heart of this record. His playing is fluid and supple, rhythmically charged, enlivening and individual.
The bass playing supports the tunes and the grooves wonderfully throughout. The core band consists if Reinardt Melz’s powerful but sensitive drumming,’s Rafael Trujillo’s exciting percussion, Chris Mosley’s lucid guitar and Ramsey Embick’s limber piano. Some of the tunes are enriched by horns and additional percussion; the horn arrangements by John Nastos and Jason Dumas contribute greatly to the atmosphere created by the music.
“Inside Out” has a convoluted meter and grooves deeply with a deep afro-cuban feel. Melz drums fabulously and Erskine’s exquisite time feel is in evidence in his great bass playing. The guitar sings: the bass deeply swings and the montuno influenced piano joins with the percussion in building the excitement. The track features dark brooding guitar figures, menacing cop-show horns and a light dancing release between piano, bass and percussion which contrasts with the darker sections. A tasty, oblique guitar solo and a dramatic piano solo leads to an ecstatic drum solo over throbbing bass and colorful percussion.
“Fif” starts, perhaps a little surprisingly, in 15/8. This band never sounds academic though; they generate beautiful, uninhibited, natural sounding time-feels. The groove begins- and this band grooves from the first beat-and the piano adds shards of chords before Damian plays a short, sweet melodic solo before the theme – a sinuous, delightful melody voiced by piano and upper register bass. Damian plays some wondrously loose-limbed and fluid bass improvisations before a timbale break announces a shift to 5/4 (again with a righteous afro-cuban groove) and Mosley is off on guitar with the band dancing like a Santana band in a parallel universe: soulful guitar, driving odd meter percussion, rich piano chords and lithe, succulent bass. Erskine has a way with a repeated line, subtly varying it like all the great bassists and building momentum creating a great platform for Mosley to enjoy. The 15/8 melody returns and the rhythm section take it out for a dance as the track closes.
“Kaluanui” is back in the land of 4/4. Erskine plays a memorable, catchy bass line that bass players will soon be trying to copy. It’s a great soulful tune..can’t wait to hear it in the summer sunshine. Guitar and keyboards play the melody as the bass slips and slides like butter all around the groove. This is old school jazz funk but with some stimulating jazz harmonies. This is a record you can’t keep still too.
“American Gyro” is a different proposition again. There is propulsive drumming from Melz and a lithe bass wizardry from Erskine that bubbles and simmers constantly. Over this, Mosley gets to play a languid guitar theme. Mosley then plays washes of ambient guitar over an outrageous bass groove. Congas build the intensity as Mosley lays down loops of guitar over the hypnotic and kaleidoscopic bass groove. Erskine shows he has all the virtuosity of today’s bass-stars but also the musicality and the awareness of the big picture that makes for a great listening experience.
“Light” is a memorable ballad. The atmosphere is set by sumptuous but light drums and percussion and expansive piano chording. A lyrical melody is voiced by soprano saxophone and piano with beautiful bass support. As with so many of these composition, the arrangement and the development of themes and motifs is outstanding. Ramsey Embick plays a romantic piano solo over sonorous bass and sensitive percussion. Typically, I didn’t even notice that the piece was in 5 at first – so organic and musical is the record’s use of odd meter. Erskine plays a short, heartfelt bass solo that had me dancing in my chair to his phrasing and the melody returns.
“Aslant” begins with ‘ting-tinga-ting’ ride cymbal and then calls the listeners bluff as instead of announcing medium tempo swing it launches a propulsive 6/8 beat which the musicians dance around as guitar and piano lay out an intricate melody. Erskine makes wonderful percussive use of harmonics in his driving and busy line as Embick lays down a Tyner-esque solo over the tremendous groove with Metz especially enjoying himself. We are treated to another piece of bass solo architecture from Erskine and a joyous ending as the drums solo over the percolating bass and percussion.
“Cabrerina” is a dark, mysterious tune. It has a filmic quality. A soulful piano solo is punctuated by apposite percussion fills. Piano sidesteps build intensity as the band grooves as one. There is some stunning bass work with slid harmonics and outrageous runs leading into a short melodic bass feature. Congas solo delightfully and the dark horn-led theme returns.
“Creep”, the final track, features a spacious, slow moving theme over light but intense bass and percussion groove. Metz has a whale of a time over washes of sound before Mosley gets to wail over Erskine’s ostinato which builds momentum sparring Mosley to ecstatic moments as he gets the freedom to explore the space provided. Electric piano leaps like an excited puppy over the rich, churning sounds and the record heads towards its conclusion over Erskine’s intense and stalwart bass groove.
Damian has such a refreshing and individual bass style. I thought of Jaco, Linley Marthe, Richard Bona and others but he certainly has his own voice and is someone who, make no mistake, it’s time you checked out. But this is not just a record for bassists. This is simply a great record.
The line up:
Damian Erskine – bass
Reinhardt Melz – drums, percussion
Ramsey Embick – piano
Chris Mosley – guitar
Rafael Trujillo – percussion
with:
John Nastos – tenor saxophone
Jason Dumars – soprano saxophone
Pal Mazzio – trumpet
Derek Rieth – percussion”
Bass Direct in the UK is now an official distributor for Skjold basses and is taking orders for my custom series. If nothing else, check out the site! It’s just chocked full of goodies and wonderful gear!
Bass Direct UK
Many have asked for it so I thought I’d post a little snippet of a tune I’m working on for the new CD (will keep you posted on THAT as well!!). It’s not fully mixed and is not a representation of the complete track, but there is a nice display of tones here. The bass is flat with a slight bass boost and the melody is flat with the neck pickup soloed. Hope you like it!!
btw: this track is in 5… see if you can feel it! 
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I am absolutely THRILLED to let you all know about something Pete Skjold and I have been working on behind the scenes for over a year now. Skjold designs will be releasing and custom building the Damian Erskine signature bass! This is the 6-string (although it will be available as 4,5,6,7…whatever you want. Completely custom built to order) that I have dreamed of… both in playability and tone. With an:
- extremely deep cutaway for 100% un-hindered access to the upper register
- over-wound pickups for a deep and rich tone
- brand new pickup mold design to incorporate the finger ramp into the pickup design (2 pickups in one pickup mold so ramp players will have a completely unified and comfortable setup)
- East pre-amps for complete tonal flexability, very stable design and neck for action as low as you want it.
-That coupled with some stunning good looks has seen my dream realized.
This first build has far exceeded my hopes and expectations… please enjoy some pix!
You can email myself or Pete through his website for more information regarding this beautiful instrument.
Attn: Bass Players
notreble.com
Damian is now on the board of advisors for a great new(ish) website for bassists. www.notreble.com
This site is already great but will be under-going some changes and will prove to be one fantastic site/resource for bassists. Check it out!!
(also check out my column there, “FAQ with Damian Erskine” where players can email questions for me to answer regarding all things musical!)
The best portable gig cart on the market! Great for small hits as well as hauling the big stuff…
Damian recently signed on officially with Reunion Blues and is using their RB-B4 single bag as well as the 324-59 Double Bag exclusively. We’re thrilled with the build quality and functionality of these bags (in addition to the legendary bullet-proof nature of their bags). Check out the full line of products here: REUNION BLUES
Intervision
Gino Vannelli at the Alfa Jazz Festival in Lviv, UKRAINE
Gino Vannelli Group LIVE DVD SHOOT in Verona, ITALY
Gino Vannelli Group in Oslo, NORWAY
Visit NoTreble.com for my column and other Bass related goodness.
Link to the article HERE Damian Erskine – “So To Speak” Bassist Damian Erskine’s name may sound familiar – he is drummer Peter Erskine’s nephew – but he is also forging an identity as a top-notch electric bassist. On his newest recording – So To Speak, the Portland, OR-based artist has assembled some of [...]
Damian has released a recording of his band performing at Portland State University earlier in 2011
