Released on ORIGIN Records, the album Bernstein in Vienna: Peter Erskine & the JAM Music Lab All-Stars marks a bold and innovative production by the JAM MUSIC LAB University in Vienna. Star drummer Peter Erskine joined forces with some of the university’s most talented students and faculty members to reinterpret Leonard Bernstein’s iconic works through the lens of jazz. This project exemplifies the university’s approach to “historically informed performance practice,” reframed as a cutting-edge artistic research initiative. The ensemble aimed to uncover new artistic insights by combining their collective expertise in music performance, composition, and arrangement.
The CD features the exceptional musicianship of:
- Peter Erskine (drums),
- Danny Grissett (musical director and piano),
- Bertl Mayer (harmonica),
- Danny Ziemann (double bass),
- Robert Unterköfler (tenor saxophone), and
- Cozy Friedel (violin).
The tracks on the album were masterfully arranged by Danny Grissett, whose approach provides a fresh and vibrant perspective on Bernstein’s repertoire. Produced by Peter Erskine, Marcus Ratka, and Jeff Levenson, the album is a testament to the transformative potential of jazz when combined with Bernstein’s timeless compositions.
Highlights of the Album
Critics worldwide have celebrated Bernstein in Vienna as a remarkable artistic achievement. The CD includes eight reimagined Bernstein classics, such as Somewhere, I Feel Pretty, Lonely Town, Cool, and Viennese Summer, an original composition by Danny Grissett inspired by Bernstein’s legacy.
Stephen Graham of Marlbank (UK) awarded the album four stars, describing it as a “swinging, tone-perfect, small jazz group live version of some of the gems from the Leonard Bernstein catalogue.” He singled out the unique arrangement of I Feel Pretty, noting the “interesting touches include using harmonica (Bertl Mayer) as lead voice.”
Felix Amador from Jazz Ese Ruido (Spain) emphasized the ensemble’s elegance and rhythmic precision, stating, “The rest of the album moves along the same lines: elegance, rhythm, a lot of swing, and successful and clean solos.” He commended the organic feel of the live recording, adding, “To the rhythm of his extensive experience, these classic themes of Broadway musicals float with an addictive fluidity in a universe (this time yes) purely jazzy.”
Jürg Solothurnmann of Jazz’N’More (Switzerland) applauded the dynamic interpretations, noting, “This ORF concert recording under the direction of Danny Grissett naturally emphasizes the jazz aspect with straight-ahead improvisations.” He also highlighted Erskine’s exceptional drumming, stating, “His concise thematic drum solos are the energetic highlights.”
Gary Walker from WBGO (NYC) reflected on the timelessness of Bernstein’s music, stating, “It’s a new Bernstein shine, with the collective working through Somewhere, Lonely Town, Cool and more, gloriously demonstrating that significant music creation is a continuum to be enjoyed many times over by the creators at hand.”
Russell Perry of WTJU praised the album’s timeliness, noting, “Drummer Peter Erskine (Weather Report) has some terrific timing, recording a set of beautiful compositions by Leonard Bernstein that coincides with the film Maestro.” He also contextualized the album within the long tradition of jazz interpretations of Bernstein’s work, referencing luminaries like Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Charlap.
Pierre Giroux of The New York City Jazz Record highlighted the ensemble’s virtuosity, writing, “From the start, Erskine and the Jam Music Lab All-Stars demonstrate virtuosity, versatility, and a keen attention to detail in this diverse selection of Bernstein repertoire.” He praised the ensemble’s nuanced interpretations that “breathe new life into this piece’s familiar melody.”
George W. Harris from Jazz Weekly commended the ensemble’s cohesive performance, describing Erskine as “a master here, creating irresistible crests for Unterkofler and Mayer’s tenor on the hip I Feel Pretty while giving a workshop of a solo on the free-range Calls and Hollers which features the entire front line.”
Tom Haugen of Take Effect admired the depth of the project and Erskine’s fluid drumming, stating, “The inimitable drummer Peter Erskine and his excellent company celebrate the work of Leonard Bernstein, where his fondness for Vienna is front and center across these 8 in-depth songs.”
The Artistic Vision
This album exemplifies JAM MUSIC LAB University’s dedication to advancing artistic research and fostering collaboration between generations of musicians. By reinterpreting Bernstein’s legacy through jazz, Bernstein in Viennaoffers a dynamic and compelling musical experience that bridges the worlds of classical composition and improvisational freedom.
This innovative release is now available through Origin Records. For more information, vistit: jammusiclab.com or contact Marcus Ratka: ratka@jammusiclab.com