Ralph Peterson Jr (20/05/62 - 01/03/21)

Several drummers have their place in history for much more than their ability behind the kit. Ralph Peterson Jr, who has died from cancer at the age of 58, was an outstanding soloist, educator and all-round source of inspiration to countless up and coming players who he mentored as a valuable member of the Berklee percussion faculty.

In many ways Peterson was an integral part of the legacy of the mighty Art Blakey who took the New Jersey youngster under his wing in the early 1980s, and helped him hone his technique beyond what he had learned in funk bands in his formative years.

Peterson was Blakey’s faithful dep, and the priceless experience of learning hard bop from one of its key architects enabled him to grow into a formidable player in his own right, soon building a portfolio as a sideman that said much about the esteem in which he was held by established artists. Peterson worked with such luminaries as David Murray, Tom Harrell and Craig Harris to name but some. He was also part of the Out Of The Blue collective that showcased a crop of promising young players such as Kenny Garrett, Ralph Bowen and Robert Hurst.

Much in demand as an accompanist, Peterson, whose propulsive, rhythmically intricate style provided great stimulus for soloists, was also a prolific recording artist. Between the late 1980s and 2010s he cut over 20 albums as leader for labels such as Blue Note, Sirocco and Cross Cross, including The Art Of War, a brilliant set that highlighted the drummer’s ability as a composer and arranger. A powerful personality, he once delighted the audience at a Michael Brecker gig in London by leaving the kit, nipping backstage and re-emerging with a trumpet, which was actually his first instrument.   

At the 2019 London jazz festival Peterson was part of a fine double bill with saxophonist Jean Toussaint that marked the centenary of Art Blakey. He actually mentioned he was ill at the pre-concert talk but nonetheless gave a performance of volcanic energy, which would have drawn a savvy smile from the master himself.