Drumming legend Peter Erskine, celebrated for his innovative rhythms and collaborations across jazz, fusion, and beyond, unveils a captivating new project: “Vienna to Hollywood: Impressions of E.W. Korngold & Max Steiner.” This album is a heartfelt tribute from Peter Erskine and the JAM Music Lab All-Stars to Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Max Steiner, two Viennese émigrés who shaped the sound of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Through inventive jazz arrangements, Peter Erskine and his ensemble reimagine iconic film melodies, creating a bridge between Vienna’s classical heritage and Hollywood’s cinematic magic.
Peter Erskine’s connection to this music began in the late ’70s when Joe Zawinul introduced him to Korngold’s compositions. This initial spark ignited a long-standing passion, culminating in this project at Vienna’s JAM Music Lab University. The album “Vienna to Hollywood” showcases Peter Erskine’s arrangements alongside Danny Grissett’s, offering improvisational jazz interpretations of pieces like the rousing “March of the Merry Men,” the poignant “Sterbelied,” and the beloved “Tara’s Theme.” Erskine’s drumming and percussion are central, complemented by the talents of Herwig Gradischnig on saxophone, Thomas Gansch on trumpet, and Andreas Varady on guitar. Tracks like “Concerto Miniature” and “String Quartet No. 2” further demonstrate the album’s versatility, blending jazz with classical elements. The tracklist includes:
- March of the Merry Men 7:09
- Sterbelied (from Lieder des Abschieds, Op. 14) 6:12
- Old Spanish Song 5:32
- The Boys Go to Play 5:04
- Concerto Miniature (theme from Violin Concerto 2nd mvt.) 1:09
- Romance (Violin Concerto, 2nd mvt.) 5:13
- Tara’s Theme 4:48
- Belle Watling 6:27
- Johnny Belinda 3:33
- String Quartet No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 26 (Larghetto) 9:53
- A Summer Place 4:54
- Ghost Coda (theme from Violin Concerto, 2nd mvt.) 1:09
The ensemble cast boasts a diverse array of talent:
- Herwig Gradischnig – saxophone
- Thomas Gansch – trumpet
- Bertl Mayer – harmonica
- Bob Sheppard – flute
- Judd Miller – EVI, sound design
- Andreas Varady – guitar
- Danny Grissett – piano
- Thatiana Gomes – double bass
- Fabricio Pereira – double bass
- Peter Erskine – drums, percussion
- Flip Phillip – vibraphone, percussion
- Brian Kilgore – percussion
- Alyssa Park – violin
- String Quartet (Kristina Šuklar, Anastasia Lindberg, Mario Gheorghiu, Julia Schreyvogel)
Reviews from publications like Paris Move and Jazz Weekly highlight Peter Erskine’s masterful drumming and the ensemble’s virtuosity in bringing these film scores to life in a jazz context. Critics praise the album’s attention to detail and its success in creating a fitting tribute to influential figures in 20th-century music.
“Vienna to Hollywood: Impressions of E.W. Korngold & Max Steiner” stands as a testament to Peter Erskine’s musical vision and versatility. It is more than a tribute; it is Peter Erskine’s insightful exploration of musical legacies, transforming classic film scores into vibrant jazz expressions. With stellar performances and innovative arrangements, Peter Erskine and the JAM Music Lab All-Stars offer a compelling listening experience that honors Korngold and Steiner while showcasing the enduring power of jazz improvisation. This album is a must-listen for fans of Peter Erskine, jazz enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the timeless allure of Hollywood film music.
