Wakangli (audio excerpt from the album SHE)
ESG is: Eric Starr (drums, compositions, lyrics) • Nelson Starr (voice, multi-instrumentalist) • Iain Ballamy (saxophones) • bass, piano, and guitar TBD per booking
The Eric Starr Group performs original vocal jazz. Their music is a unique blend of contemporary jazz, sophisticated pop, and Brazilian flavors. But what does this really mean? Do they play smooth jazz? No… ESG has been admired for its crossover appeal, but the band never uses one chord vamps or slick electronic backbeats. You will also never hear simplistic or restrained solos.
In contrast, Eric, and his vocalist brother’s music, has been praised for their chordal variety, advanced jazz improvisation, and stunning group interplay. However, a quick listen will also reveal catchy vocal hooks, romantic lyrics, and a great deal of musical sensitivity. This all adds up to a listener friendly, non-indulgent mixture of jazz and pop.
The Eric Starr Group features Eric’s vocalist brother Nelson Starr. An award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, Nelson has worked with major artists in both pop and jazz. These include former Blue Note recording artist Sam Noto (trumpet), and pop icons Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) and The 10,000 Maniacs.
Another driving force behind Nelson and Eric’s sound is the brilliant tenor and soprano saxophone playing of Iain Ballamy. A pioneer in Britain’s modern jazz movement, Ballamy is known for his work with Bill Bruford, Cedar Walton, the late Gil Evans, singer Ian Shaw, and scores of others.
“I grew up listening to Ballamy’s music,” says Eric. “His musical ideas are quite profound, and he has a strong vision.” Eric is equally excited about the contributions of guitarist Dominic Miller on his debut album SHE (Bronx Bound Records). “I first heard Dominic with Sting in 1990. I have enjoyed his music ever since and was thrilled to have him play on my disc.”
A composer, drummer, and author, Eric Starr leads a multifaceted life composing music on commission, performing jazz in some of New York’s most prestigious clubs, and authoring books about music. To date, Eric has penned five internationally distributed books for F+W Publications, a major American publisher.
Eric’s album SHE put him in the international spotlight through radio play and record reviews in the United States, Europe, and beyond. Among others, The Buffalo News wrote that “Starr is establishing himself as a major player in modern jazz.” www.bestofwny.com called Eric “A music prodigy.” Muze Inc.—a global leader in entertainment information—called Eric an “accomplished composer…who would have made Antonio Carlos Jobim proud,” and Jazz Dimensions in Berlin called SHE “a beautiful, inspired debut album.”
Following the release of SHE, The Eric Starr was twice interviewed by America’s original shock jock, Joey Reynolds. The interviews aired coast-to-coast on the WOR Radio Network. In 2004, the group kicked off the release of SHE with a sold-out concert at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City followed by additional dates in NYC and Western New York featuring, among others, legendary pianist Andy Laverne (Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz). Currently, plans are underway for a North American and European tour in 2009 and 2010.
SOUND BITES…
“She is a unique, beautiful release.” –Arif Mardin (legendary producer)
“She is great! Very creative!” –Kenny Werner (jazz pianist)
“She is a beautiful, inspired debut album.”–Carina Prange, Jazz Dimensions (Berlin, Germany)
“Starr’s compositions breathe the heady ether of the music of the spheres…Watch this man!” -Jeff Miers, The Buffalo News
“She is ravishing…Glorious Euphoria!”–Vangelis Aragiannis, Ipirotikos Agon (Syros, Greece)
“A beautiful first album with inspired music…There’s a certain magic about this CD.” –Bill Falconer, www.jazzreview.com
“Sweet Sounding Gold.” –Mark Norris, Artvoice Newspaper (Buffalo, NY)
“If this is the soundtrack to a magical place, it might be well worth the search.”
-www.jazzusa.com
“Beautiful sound. You guys are terrific!”–Joey Reynolds “The Joey Reynolds Radio Show” (New York, NY)
“I thought these guys were great! To be doing Brazilian jazz is far-out, but beautiful, and I was very impressed!”
–Gary LeMel (CEO of Warner Sunset Records & president of Worldwide Music for Warner Brothers)
Eric Starr Press Photo
