What makes As It Is by Peter Erskine notable?

As It Is received critical acclaim for its innovative compositions and masterful musicianship, establishing Erskine as a significant figure in modern jazz. The album's sophisticated arrangements resonated within the jazz community, leading to features in prominent publications like DownBeat, where it was praised for its artistic depth. Released in 1996, As It Is marked Peter Erskine's return to a more personal and expressive style following his tenure with the Weather Report. This album came after several years of collaborative work and experimentation, allowing him to showcase his unique voice as a bandleader.

As It Is works well if you're into intricate rhythms that invite exploration, lyrical melodies for reflective moments and sustained listening for deep immersion.

How many songs are on As It Is?

As It Is has 9 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

As It Is

Peter Erskine · 1996

57 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A seamless blend of intricate rhythms and lyrical melodies that showcase Erskine's mastery in contemporary jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Lady in the Lake — This track stands out due to its lush harmonies and intricate interplay between the instruments, creating an ethereal atmosphere that encapsulates Erskine's vision.
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Touch Her Soft Lips and Part — With its delicate yet complex structure, this piece highlights Erskine's ability to blend emotion with technical prowess, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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Au Contraire — This track showcases Erskine's innovative drumming style and compositional skills, featuring dynamic shifts that keep listeners engaged throughout its length.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate rhythms and varied instrumentation highlight Erskine's unique voice in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with varying combinations of piano, bass, and drums leading the arrangements.
Several pieces incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes in depth before returning to structured melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate rhythms that invite exploration
lyrical melodies for reflective moments
sustained listening for deep immersion
patient unfolding of musical ideas

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1996, As It Is marked Peter Erskine's return to a more personal and expressive style following his tenure with the Weather Report. This album came after several years of collaborative work and experimentation, allowing him to showcase his unique voice as a bandleader.
Stylistic neighbors: Bill Stewart· Brian Blade· Jack DeJohnette

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Glebe Ascending 7:04
2 The Lady in the Lake 8:00
3 Episode 4:30
4 Woodcocks 7:15
5 Esperança 3:58
6 Touch Her Soft Lips and Part 4:54
7 Au Contraire 10:18
8 For Ruth 6:44
9 Romeo & Juliet 4:30

What to play next

Listen next

Juni

1999

Go back to

History of the Drum

1995

Full Peter Erskine discography Artists like Peter Erskine

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata