2x GRAMMY winner and drumming icon Peter Erskine is proud to announce Peregrine, an intimate album of standards and originals recorded with longtime collaborator Alan Pasqua on piano and Scott Colley on bass. The album represents a deeply personal artistic statement—one Erskine describes as “the album I’ve always wanted to make.”
Recorded at Reelsounds Studio in Chicago, founded by the late Mark Brunner, Peregrine captures the magic of analog purity in an increasingly digital world. Co-produced by Jo Pangilinan, Brunner’s widow, the album is both a musical achievement and a tribute to friendship and perseverance. “Just about every song on this album is a first take,” Erskine notes. Engineer Anthony Gravino, and assistant Brandon Schnake, captured the trio’s chemistry immediately, while Colley, new to the longstanding Erskine-Pasqua partnership, brought what Erskine calls “muscular musicality” that injected fresh vigor into the ensemble.
The trio exhibits masterful command throughout Peregrine. Contrasting tempos feel relaxed and buoyant, while subtle dynamic control reveals beautiful interplay between the instrumentalists. Pasqua’s keen harmonic imagination matches his clear, articulate touch, while Colley proves himself an outstanding accompanist, quietly generating compelling rhythmic dialogue with Erskine.
The album’s eleven tracks comprise a deeply personal collection of tributes. Pasqua’s “Gumbo Time” celebrates New Orleans, while Keith Jarrett’s “Bop Be” finds the trio stretching their bebop chops. Pasqua arranged Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman,” a song cherished by Brunner and Pangilinan. “Leaving LA” comes from the film Sacramento, directed by Erskine’s son-in-law Michael Angarano and starring his daughter Maya. Brian Wilson and Tony Asher’s “God Only Knows” from Pet Sounds had long been on Erskine’s recording wish list; Wilson passed away shortly after the mix was completed. “Poetry Man”—Pangilinan’s final sonic memory of Mark and a favorite of Erskine’s father—features guest vocalist Kate Lamont, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, and percussionist Brian Kilgore. Erskine wrote “David’s Blues” (which, despite its title, is not a blues) honoring Professor David Baker, who taught both Erskine and Pasqua at Indiana University in 1971. “On The Lake” reflects Erskine’s meditation on quiet times and stillness.
Sonic purists will appreciate Peregrine’s attention to acoustic integrity. The LP utilizes Paramount Pressing’s Ultra Vinyl format (lowest noise floor and highest fidelity available), honoring the analog capture that Brunner championed. Album artwork by Flournoy Holmes, who designed some of music’s most iconic covers, reflects the recording’s intimate beauty.
Through nuanced interpretations and thoughtful original compositions, Erskine, Pasqua, and Colley have created an album honoring both past and present. “This album was a joy to make,” Erskine reflects. “My hope is that listening to it will bring you joy as well”.