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.

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. Feeling the need to further achieve, he returned to Buffalo two years later to receive a second B.A. in English, taking full advantage of both degrees through writing and by performing with his band, The Eric Starr Group.

Starr currently has one book published by Adams Media, “The Everything Drum Book,” which hit shelves in 2004. The book is a tutorial for those with or without any experience in percussion.

The musician and author also has two more “everything” books in production for Adams Media. “The Everything Rock and Blues Piano Book” is scheduled for June 2007, and in 2008, “The Everything Bass Guitar Book,” which is co-authored by his brother Nelson Starr.

Since Starr is also a pianist, he was able to write “The Everything Rock and Blues Piano Book” alone. However, with the publication, Starr had to call upon his sibling and recent Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee, Nelson, to compose the bass tutorials.

“I do the formatting, editing, researching, historical and biographical work; writing out the notations,” Starr said. “And Nelson does the meat and potatoes of the composition since I don’t play bass.”

The book covers a combination of categories. It is chiefly a how-to guide, but also assumes the role of a biographical/musical encyclopedia with key innovators such as Paul McCartney, James Jameson and Jaco Pastorius to further knowledge of the instrument.

“It acts as a research guide, in the back of book there are two appendices, including a list of key innovators. It’s a pretty comprehensive list,” Starr said.

Adams Media publishes books that are designed to help readers meet their objective in any way possible.

“Their goal is to help the reader learn about what they are researching, whether it means to look elsewhere,” Starr said.

In the “everything” books collection Starr includes a list of other recommended readings, Web sites and films that would prove helpful to the reader.

“This is so that readers can continue their education or supplement education with references,” Starr said. “But to learn you really should have a qualified music instructor.”

It is likely that Starr will be authoring an advanced drumming book in the spring that will be added to the “everything” collection.

However, Starr’s UB education isn’t all that qualifies him to author such books so well. He has had an eclectic musical career, empowering him with experiences that only a few can imagine.

This diverse and talented artist has been awarded the prestigious Meet the Composer Grant three times and received the Utah Arts Council Grant in 2005. More impressively, Starr composed chamber music for NYC theater productions Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and Macbeth. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

Starr’s experience extends even further with his band, The Eric Starr Group, which performs all original vocal jazz music. They blend contemporary jazz with sophisticate pop with a dash of Brazilian spices.

Again, Nelson Starr collaborates with Eric Starr, who offers his smooth and likeable vocal sounds. As if these two musical geniuses were not enough, the group is made up of more all-star players.

British modern jazz movement’s pioneer Iain Ballamy soothes listeners with both tenor and soprano saxophone sounds. He has played under famed musicians such as Bill Bruford, Cedar Walton, Gil Evans, and singer Ian Shaw. Starr actually grew up listening to Ballamy’s musical contributions. Now he has the pleasure of sharing the stage with him. Also having contributed to Starr’s studio recordings is Sting’s guitarist, Dominic Miller.

“This year is going to be a good year for us, I want to book more concert dates and work on a second album,” Starr said. “We also have the possibility of playing a music festival in the U.S. and abroad.”

While opportunities arise throughout the country and internationally, Starr hopes to be able to again perform in the Buffalo area sometime in 2007.

“We haven’t performed in a while,” Starr said. “In 2006 I was working as a freelance artist writing the two books and my wife Katherine and I had our new baby boy, Iain, who is essentially named after saxophonist Iain Bellamy.”

With plans for a new album, tour dates and several books, Starr has a full schedule for the year.

“2007 is going to be a good year,” he said. “I’ll be back in the saddle this year recording with the group working on the follow up to ‘She.’”

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.

So with high anticipation the sold out crowd was ready for his return home. Starr brought what could be said are some of the best players in jazz circles today. Pianist Andy LaVerne whose past work includes Stan Getz, guitarist Marc Schonbrun, Nori Shiota on bass, Eric’s brother Nelson on vocals and flying in from London, England just to play this and one show in NYC was saxophonist Iain Ballamy. These artists have chosen to play together based on the musical vision and playing ability of Eric Starr. The players never overpower each other but complement and exchange ideas as they play. A subtle smile or nod to acknowledge a solo between performers shows the bond they have for each other as artists. The constant smile on Starr’s face throughout the night showed that he too was pleased with the group and the music they were creating. The hushed dynamics of the band and Nelson Starr’s scat singing style were further enhanced by the acoustics of The Tralf. Playing selections from his CD and other material the eighty minute set seemed so much shorter than it was as most of us could have listened to the band play all night long. For more information about Eric Starr check out www.ericstarrgroup.com

Also by bestofwny.com: “Music Prodigy and Rising National Talent”

Music can transport you to places you can only imagine. On his latest disc, titled She, local music prodigy and rising national talent drummer Eric Starr takes us on one of those journeys. Using Latin, Native American and World rhythms he has made a remarkable record. The liner notes explain these themes to you as related to the song but even without that knowledge the music exposes the location to the listener. The gentle nylon plucked guitar of “Salta (Tren a las Nubes)” invokes South America while “Wakangli” feels tribal in nature. All six tracks are over five minutes in length and allow the songs to flesh themselves out without being self indulgent. Other tracks of note include “Tender Night” and “She Didn’t Know”. Artists helping to create the music along with Eric Starr include brother Nelson Starr on vocals and keyboards, Dominic Miller and Dan Heck on guitar, Iain Ballamy on sax and others. For more on Eric Starr and his new CD, She, check out www.ericstarrgroup.com.

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!

Here it is in pdf form Buffalo Spree December

The players he corralled for his outstanding solo debut, “She,” are impressive enough, but the touring lineup of the Eric Starr Group is proof that Starr is establishing himself as a major player in modern jazz. With an amazing list of credentials, from Frank Sinatra to Dizzy Gillespie to Charlie Watts, Starr’s cohorts (Iain Ballamy, saxophones; Andy Laverne, piano; Marc Schonbrun, guitars; Nori Shiota, double bass; Nelson Starr, vocals) carry his inventive instrumentals and New American Songbook entries skyward with dazzling virtuosity. Starr took some time to reflect on where he’s been and where he plans to go. The roster of musicians you’ve collaborated with since you left is amazing. Is it true that you flew to England with the mission of finding Dominic Miller?

It is – I can be real impetuous that way. I’ve always been a fan of Dominic’s, and I really wanted to work with him, so I went over there and looked him up, and we got along great. We’ll without a doubt be working together again, but he’s on Sting’s tour right now, which is like two years long, and I’m just a little guy, so I’ll have to wait till that’s over.

Scoring Iain Ballamy is no small feat either. Did you pick him up on the same trip?

Yeah, and I flew him in for these gigs. He played in a group called Earthworks a while back, with Bill Bruford, and I started listening to them when I was pretty young and always loved Iain’s playing. (Iain and I are) buddies now, and I’m proud and honored to say that. I’ve been a big fan of his nearly all my life. Sometimes when you listen to someone, you get a feeling – maybe it’s a spiritual thing – but when you hear them, you think, “If I knew that guy, I bet we’d get along pretty well.” I always thought that about Iain, and its coming to fruition is one of those little dreams that came true.

That’s a serious affirmation of the value of dreaming big.

That’s what I’m all about, whether it’s fortunate or not. The music business is a pretty cynical world, but the approach I’ve taken is such that in a high-risk business you have to take high risks. It’s inherent that there’s no payoff without a risk. You can play it safe if you want, but you’ll wind up hanging out in your living room, listening to Beatles records and playing by yourself.

Well, no worries there, you’ve assembled quite a formidable lineup.

Thank you, I’m a big fan of all these guys, and it’s fun and exciting to return home with them and show people what I’ve been up to. In many ways, my heart is still in Buffalo, and leaving really helped me appreciate it much more – not just the people, but the comforts. I’m definitely looking forward to breaking bread with my Buffalo buddies.

Published on December 17, 2004
Author: Seamus Gallivan – Special to The News
© The Buffalo News Inc.

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.

The opener,”Wakangli” or “Lightning” honors the strength and tenacity of the American Indian. It’s dramatic and percussive. utilizing three brass players. Bellamy contributes an uninhibited solo on soprano and there’s fiery muted trumpet by Jim Rotondi. “Salta” suggests the best of Jobim through the combination of Nelson’s voice and Dominic Miller’s guitar. Miller, known for his work with Sting, hails from Argentina. Listen to what the arrangement accomplishes with just one violin and one cello! Emotion builds in the ballad “Tender Night.” We are taken from sadness to hope by both Starr brothers. Bellamy on tenor and soprano, and the thoughtful and intense pianist, Kenny Ascher. The group is augmented by strings and flute in “She Didn’t Know” which speaks of “careless goodbyes” and “thoughtless farewells” and brings us the unforgettable Holly Golightly of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” without leaning on Mancini. “La’raesa,” originally recorded when Eric was in college, is a family affair: powerhouse piano (yes, piano!) by Eric, imaginative use of Nelson’s voice, and a glowing flugelhorn solo by Nelson Sr. The session closes with “Warm at Heart.” This poignant melody suggested by the events of September 11, 2001, features Nelson on piano and vocals.

There’s a certain magic about this CD. A “Live from Lincoln Center” album is expected in the near future. I just can’t wait!

Bill Falconer

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. ]]> http://www.ericstarrgroup.com/archives/26/feed 0 http://www.ericstarrgroup.com/archives/52 http://www.ericstarrgroup.com/archives/52#comments Mon, 20 May 2002 06:01:02 +0000 ron http://www.ericstarrgroup.com/?p=52 This map will track the visits to the web site from around the world!