Beating a Path

Call jazz drummer Peter Erskine “Mr. Versatile.”

The renowned artist, whose career has included stints with Stan Kenton, Steely Dan and Weather Report and appearances on hundreds of recordings, can handle just about anything.

Earlier this year, for example, he joined the jazz-fusion band the Yellowjackets, a Weather Report-influenced group in which his ability to swing and play with a hearty backbeat has been showcased.

“That’s been fun because I’m reconnecting with an important side of my musical history and personality,” said Erskine, who lives in Santa Monica.

Erskine, 45, toured Europe in June as a member of the acclaimed acoustic contemporary jazz band Steps Ahead, delivering the fluid, driving beat that music demands.

“It was a total swinger,” the drummer said.

Next came a recording session of mostly standards in London with singer Joni Mitchell and the London Philharmonic.

“That was incredible, easily one of the highlights of my recording career,” said Erskine, who was on Mitchell’s 1979 classic, “Mingus.”

Back home, the drummer played recently at Rocco with his powerhouse L.A.-based trio, the Lounge Art Ensemble, offering a spontaneous, let-what-happens-happen type of modern jazz.

The band, featuring saxophonist Bob Sheppard (currently a member of Chick Corea’s sextet, Origin) and bassist Dave Carpenter, appears again Wednesday at Cafe Cordiale in Sherman Oaks.

The Lounge Art Ensemble has been active for about two years and has made one album, “Lava Jazz” (Fuzzy Music), and has played the Monterey Jazz Festival and toured Europe.

“At first, we developed a repertoire by putting new melodies on familiar chord changes,” Erskine said. “Now, about half the time we just call tunes and blow, making up insta-arrangements, trying to surprise ourselves.”

The very busy Erskine, who lives with his wife, Mutsy, and their children, Taichi and Maya, is often out of town. One way he stays close with his family is through e-mail. “I write Mutsy and the kids several letters a day,” he said. “That way we’re all living this together.”

Voices: Warm-voiced and open-hearted, singer Mike Campbell appears Tuesday from 7 to 11 p.m. at Ca’ del Sole, 4100 N. Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood. No cover, no minimum. (818) 985-4669.

Another persuasive and sensitive vocalist with a more pop-influenced approach is Kenny Rankin, who performs tonight and Saturday at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. at La Ve Lee, 12514 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. $8 cover, two-drink minimum. (818) 980-8158).

BE THERE

The Lounge Art Ensemble plays Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., at Cafe Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. No cover, no minimum. (818)-789-1985.

Zan Stewart writes about jazz for the Valley Edition. He can be reached at Zansky@AOL.com.