Peter Erskine and the Dr. Um Band Release “On Call”
Peter Erskine and his Dr. Um band are back at it, and this time they’re “On Call”. The new double album features a CD of studio recordings plus a CD of a live performance in Ochiobello, Italy on July 30, 2017.
The former Weather Report drummer’s band once again includes pianist John Beasley, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, and bassist Benjamin Shepherd. In the months between each disc’s recording the band coalesced into an organic feel that reminded Erskine of his former band. “The band is in the midst of defining itself,” he muses. “In a sense it’s similar to Weather Report, though that wasn’t the immediate inspiration. But it’s in my blood. At times I’ve sworn I would try to shake that off, but it was a big part of my growing up.”
Part of the band’s growth for On Call comes from each member contributing songs to the effort. Shepherd composed “Two Paths”, a tribute to the late Allan Holdsworth that begins with an intense bass solo. “Benjamin remains a diehard Holdsworth fan and admirer,” Erskine explains, “and this song is his way of expressing gratitude for Allan’s being.”
Check out Erskine talking about On Call with Sweetwater’s Mark Hornsby:
On Call is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
On Call Track List:
Disc 1:
- For The Time Being
- Might As Well Be
- If So Then
- Uncle Don
- Silver Linings
- Two Paths
Disc 2:
- Hipnotherapy (live)
- Hawaii Bathing Suit (live)
- Dreamsville (live)
- Eleven Eleven (live)
- Northern Cross (live)
