On November 9th, 2007 Eric’s saxophone concerto, The Stones of Carnac, was premiered at The Lighthouse concert hall in Poole, England. It was performed by world renowned saxophonist Iain Ballamy together with the Pavao String Quartet. Check back soon to see a video of this concert!
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ERIC STARR—SHE
Drummer Eric Starr has cut a stylish contemporary jazz album with SHE. Featuring an extensive cast of musicians (including Sting guitarist Dominic Miller and saxophonist Iain Ballamy), the record offers up a wide variety of instrumentation, yet retains the intimate feel of a small group session, with arrangements that are consistently adventurous and ambitious.
Starr proves himself an accomplished composer on the vital post-bop opener, “Wakangli.” Several songs feature excellent performances by singer Nelson Starr (Eric’s brother). “Salta (Tren A Las Nubes),” for example, unfurls a languid vocal melody over a gentle bossa nova rhythm that would have made Antonio Carlos Jobim proud, while the elegant, melancholic “Tender Night” has the feel of a classic standard. The album also presents “La’raesa,” a Latin-inflected bop workout from Starr’s student days, and closes with “Warm at Heart,” a lush, wistful song commemorating 9/11 (and featuring another strong vocal by Nelson Starr). Overall, SHE is an album filled with fine musicianship and instrumental interplay, and is a particularly impressive showcase for Eric Starr’s compositional abilities.
THE SPECTRUM (NEWSPAPER)
Arts & Life - JANUARY 24th, 2007
Alum update: Eric Starr
MATT R. MANERA - Arts & Life Editor
Even if you put the “shooting star” puns aside, it can’t be denied — the extensive résumé of UB alum Eric Starr, drummer, composer, bandleader, singer and author would make anyone proud.
A ‘94 graduate of UB, Starr earned his B.A. in music performance as a percussionist.
Best of Western New York
by Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
If the phrase “hometown boy makes good” ever applied to anyone, it would have to be Eric Starr. After playing the local scene for years with The Tails and other bands, Starr left the area in the late 90’s to head to New York City with a mission to be among the brightest and most talented players around. He formed a six piece jazz ensemble, recorded a critically acclaimed CD titled She and sold out their debut performance at Lincoln Center. Quite possibly the phrase “hometown boy makes good” is an understatement. (more…)
Eric’s tune Salta was chosen as a feature download on All About Jazz.com Click here to listen to listen along with the thousands who are making our hit counters here go berserk! Help ESG climb to the top of the Top 25!
Bruce Eaton did a wonderful piece on Eric and his group in Buffalo Spree magazine December issue, 2004.
Here it is in pdf form Buffalo Spree December
No matter how much one loves Buffalo, sometimes one must leave it behind to achieve lofty dreams. Such is the case with Eric Starr. One of the most diverse drummers in Western New York, he turned heads with many jazz outfits and with original rock group the Tails before emigrating four years ago to the musically greener pastures of New York City. Back for a homecoming show at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Tralf, 622 Main St., he’s anxious to show off the amazing quintet of souvenirs he’s picked up in the big city. (more…)
On so many jazz CDs the creative process is limited to performance. “She” is an exception. This inspired debut recording by drummer/composer Eric Starr displays creativity in all areas: compositions, lyrics, arrangements, production, engineering, and musicianship.
The six tracks, recorded in New York and London by musicians from varied backgrounds, illustrate the versatility of Starr’s charts. What they have in common is inventiveness and excitement. The group is anchored by Eric’s masterful drumming and features vocals by brother Nelson. He’s a sensitive singer with a sound all his own . London-based saxophonist Iain Ballamy, a modern jazz veteran, is showcased throughout.
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?
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