Read the actual review HERE : Review by Editor, Jake Kot
So To Speak
Our fearless CD reviewer for BMM, Damian Erskine, just released his newest effort “So To Speak”, which I had the great pleasure (no surprise) to absorb, and review. This is an excellent second effort by a voice I’m sure will be out there in a much broader realm sooner than later. His compositional skills display a refreshing sense of adventure, which I also have a hard time categorizing (a major plus as far as I’m concerned). Slick latinesque/ jazzy/ funky/ you name it grooves run rampant throughout the disc with Damian meticulously (and colorfully) covering his responsibilities on the low end, only to be matched by some very dynamic and impressive improvisation when he steps out.
His ensemble counterparts on this CD, Melz, Embick, Mosley, and Trujillo musically and texturally compliment the charts keeping both the harmonic and rhythmic elements at a high and very musical level, with great solos to boot from everyone on hand. Added spice to some of the tracks was the horn section used “compositionally” in a most musical rather than clichéd way—a tough one to pull off.
I use this phraseology way to much, but I’m going there again…this is a 21st century in the best sense of the word (words) excursion…forward thinking compositions, as well as musicianship, brought to the forefront. I would highly suggest checking this out.
Visit online at www.damianerskine.com
Jake Kot
The much anticipated new album from Damian is now available Feb 1st!! It will be hitting CDBaby first and spreading from there (and can, of course, always be picked up at any of Damian’s shows). 8 original compositions with an absolutely killing band. Check it out!!
Track Audio Samples
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Featuring:
Damian Erskine: Bass
Reinhardt Melz: Drums, Percussion
Ramsey Embick: PIano
Chris Mosley: Guitar
Rafael Trujilo: Percussion
John Nastos: Tenor
Jason Dumars: Soprano
Paul Mazzio: Trumpet
Derek Rieth: Percussion
Places to buy the album
My new album “So To Speak” is available as an online download at Bandcamp.com now! Physical copies will be available Feb everywhere online (and at gigs, of course) and the rest of the digital download sites are to follow, but get yours here first!
• CLICK HERE
Damian Erskine : "So To Speak"
My new Album entitled “So To Speak” featuring 8 original compositions by myself is being printed and pressed right now and will be available by the end of January!!!
Make sure to check:
CDBABY
iTunes
and all other online music sellers. Hope to see you on the road!
Damian Erskine Quartet opening for Intervision
Tuesday, Dec. 26th, 2009
Jimmy Mak’s
221 Northwest 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209-3108
(503) 295-6542
Come support two of Portland most exciting young bands! ;)
(I’ll be playing in both of them) This will be a paired down version of my band featuring Reinhardt Melz, Brian Ward and John Nastos.
Damian Erskine Project: 7:30 – 8:30
Intervision: 9-12
Details are in Upcoming Events !
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! 
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learnthelowend.com
I have begun posting lessons and e-books at a new wonderful site called LEARN THE LOWEND. A host of wonderful bass players are beginning to post lessons. Some are free, others are offered for a small fee, but the content is wonderful. Check it out!! TONS of good information and exercises for bassists and musicians!
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.
www.skjolddesign.com
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!)
So August is almost upon us and is also the month that I begin the recording process for my new CD (and first original project!)! The disc will featue Reinhardt Melz (drms), Ramsey Embick (pno) and Chris Mosley (gtr) and all original music written by yours truly. Much different from my last outing and we’re all very excited about the music… Hoping to have this project pressed and available by the end of the summer! Keep an eye out for it and keep an eye out for us live next summer as I plan on trying to take this show on the road.. these guys are killing!
Visit NoTreble.com for my column and other Bass related goodness. 
