He began his musical life on piano, but after hearing Lionel Hampton he changed to vibraphone.
[1] During the 1960s he joined a band led by clarinetist Ove Lind in the swing style of Benny Goodman.
[1] Erstrand also worked in the Swedish Swing Society with Antti Sarpila.
[1] He performed with Goodman and other American musicians who passed through Sweden.
Other musicians Erstrand has played with include Alice Babs, Svend Asmussen, Arne Domnérus, Bob Wilber, and Scott Hamilton.