Interview with Eric in February 2004 issue of All About Jazz (NYC)

LISTEN UP!

AAJ: Tell us about your education.

ES: Two teachers stand out in my mind the most: Jan Williams, known for his collaborations with composers John Cage and Elliot Carter; and Joe Morello, the legendary drummer for Dave Brubeck and Marian McPartland. Joe’s natural approach to technique changed my life.

AAJ: What are your influences?

ES: As a drummer: Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Joe Morello, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Bill Bruford, Vinnie Colaiuta, Paul Wertico, Charlie Watts, Stewart Copeland, and Manu Kache. As a composer: Bill Evans, Miles Davis, A.C. Jobim, Django Bates, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, and various “classical” composers. Also popular music composers The Beatles, Sting and Peter Gabriel.

AAJ: Tell us about your current project.

ES: I am promoting the release of She, an all original vocal jazz album featuring my brother Nelson on vocals, Sting’s long time guitarist, Dominic Miller, British sax great Iain Ballamy, plus Kenny Ascher, Jim Rotondi and others.

AAJ: You knew you wanted to be a musician when…

ES: When I saw my father, who is a trumpeter, perform with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Sometimes, the band leader would let my older brother and me actually sit on the stage while the band performed. This was quite a thrill. It almost felt like we were in the band. It was then that I became excited about the drums. But I also heard all these beautiful harmonies and textures created by the brass and woodwinds and I thought, “I have to learn how to write that!”

I grew up hearing jazz around my house too so I always assumed that music was important. I knew and loved Miles Davis’ music before I was 5. A few years later, my older brother played me The Beatles and I was hooked for life. Still later, I heard Bill Evans and I just couldn’t believe how beautiful he made that piano sound. Listening to him was like looking at a beautiful Monet painting. I’m still in awe of all these musicians.

AAJ: What’s your dream band?

ES: Well, I pretty much have it now. I’ve always enjoyed working with my brother Nelson, who is one hell of a musician. Working with the British saxophonist, Iain Ballamy, is a real treat too. I’ve been into his playing since I was about 15. I would love to work with his long time colleague, pianist and E flat horn player, Django Bates, someday too. Perhaps I can get him to record on my next album.

AAJ: Tell us something that is not generally known about you.

ES: Well, I am also a playwright and have had two plays produced in New York City and one in Buffalo, NY.
Eric Starr and SHE will be appearing at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse on February 13th. See Calendar.