Watch Peter Erskine: Everything Is Timekeeping

Peter Erskine: Everything Is Timekeeping is a riveting documentary that chronicles the life, career and music of the legendary drummer, Peter Erskine, who has been at the forefront of the jazz drumming scene for over four decades. Directed by the acclaimed drummer and educator, John Bishop, the documentary showcases Erskine’s spectacular drumming skills, his passion for jazz, and his career journey.

The film opens with interviews of fellow musicians and colleagues who explain the significance of Peter Erskine to the drumming community. They describe him as one of the most innovative, creative and technically proficient drummers of all time, and the documentary does a wonderful job of reinforcing this image by showcasing his talent on the drums. One of the most notable interviews is that of John Abercrombie, a renowned jazz guitarist, who has collaborated with Erskine for decades.

The documentary goes into details about Erskine’s background and his childhood. It reveals how his father, a professional trumpet player, influenced his interest in music, and how he started playing the drums at the tender age of four. From there, the documentary traces Erskine’s musical journey and chronicles his rise to fame as a world-class drummer.

The film takes viewers on a journey through Erskine’s professional career, beginning with his first major gig with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. The documentary highlights how Erskine’s technical prowess and creativity helped him earn the respect and admiration of fellow musicians across the world. The film also delves into Erskine’s collaborations with several jazz legends, including Bill Evans, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, and many others.

Throughout the documentary, Erskine described in detail the challenges he faced as a drummer, both personally and professionally. He elaborated on how he evolved as a musician and how he always made an effort to improve his craft. Erskine explained his approach to drumming and his use of different techniques, such as odd time signatures, melodic drumming, and the use of electronic drums.

In particular, the film showcases Erskine’s love for timekeeping - the art of keeping time in music. The documentary highlights how Erskine’s mastery of timekeeping helped him differentiate himself from other drummers, and how he used it to shape his music. Erskine explained how he incorporated timekeeping into his drumming techniques, and how it became a crucial component of his style.

Aside from Erskine's drumming, the documentary also features insightful interviews with other notable drummers, such as Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, and Jeff Hamilton, who offer their perspectives on Erskine's contributions to the jazz drumming world. Moreover, the documentary includes several engaging live performances, showcasing Erskine’s drumming skills alongside other renowned jazz musicians.

In terms of production, the film is top-notch. The documentary features beautiful panoramic shots, highlighting the scenic locations in which it was filmed. The audio mixing and mastering are of a high standard, guaranteeing viewers the experience of listening to music at its best.

Overall, Peter Erskine: Everything Is Timekeeping is a unique and engaging documentary that will entertain, educate, and inspire music fans across the globe. The documentary vividly captures the essence and genius of Peter Erskine, a true musical icon, while also providing insights into the world of jazz drumming. The film is a must-watch for all fans of jazz music, and it serves as a testament to the mastery of Peter Erskine.

Peter Erskine: Everything Is Timekeeping is a musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.