Hi Friends, here is a quick report on this weeks music and some highlights from the week that just passed by.

We had a wonderful kid sesh last week in the studio with Lisa Hightower’s gifted small ones laying down some exceptional vocals. The tunes ranged from calypso to Randy Neumann to Linda Ronstadt to a cute little jazz tune about cats. I loved it! They each got a CD at the end and they left the studio ready to take on the record industry in force. Look out Tommy LiPuma! There’s a new breed on the horizon.

This week is I’m thrilled to play a concert with pianist and composer Billy Childs’ Chamber Ensemble. The group consists of a string quartet — Billy on piano, Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard on woodwinds, Carol Robbins on harp, Jimmy Johnson on bass and myself on guitar. It’s incredible music — thick in complexity, astounding textures, and a creative blend of the jazz and classical styles. I’ve known Billy for many years and we’ve played together live with Hubert Law’s group, with my band, with Billy’s group and on Billy’s GRP recording “I’ve Known Rivers”. He’s one of my favorites!  I’m hightailing it to L.A. tomorrow for a rehearsal and I'll need it even though I've been woodshedding this music for the last month to try to come up to the group’s current speed. They’ve played together for 2 years and also recorded the Grammy Award winning CD “Lyric” and thus, know the music well. This is my first hit with the group and I’m thrilled to be in the loop. I hope you can make the show…

Later in the week it’ll be Gunnar, Toby and myself heading inland to the Del Dios gig and then on Sunday the circus at the Coyote continues.

All good things your way, Peter