As It Was [4 CD]

John Taylor: piano; Palle Danielsson: double bass; Peter Erskine: drums

The newest addition to ECMs popular Old and New Masters Series is a box set reprising the four albums made by Peter Erskines American-British-Swedish trio with John Taylor and Palle Danielsson between 1992 and 1997: You Never Know, As It Is, Time Being and Juni.

If its core concept a piano trio led by a drummer was unorthodox, the group was nonetheless influential, and the recordings provide an excellent environment for appreciating the distinctive writing and playing of John Taylor.

The British pianist was the Erskine Trios primary composer, with the drummer-leader and bassist Danielsson also contributing pieces and the repertoire topped up with tunes by Vince Mendoza and Kenny Wheeler.

Of his trio mates Erskine says, We drew out our most explorative and interesting playing from each other. Without trying to be, we were a truly unique group. Ive heard nothing like it before or since.