While his good genes may help (he’s drum god Peter Erskine’s nephew), Damian Erskine’s significant facility, big pocket, and harmonic awareness are what comes when talent and hard work collide. Trios is Erskine’s first disc as a leader, and it’s an auspiciously musical undertaking. While many bass-led debuts languish in technical self-abuse, Erskine’s modern jazz is fresh, listenable, and yes, studded with bass tricks aplenty.
-Jonathan Herrera