Eric has recently become an endorser of Bosphorus Cymbals. In his own words:

These cymbals are totally hand hammered and they have a depth, expression, color, and nuance that you cannot find in other ‘plates.’ There are several fine cymbal companies from which to choose, but Bosphorus is the creme de la creme. I look for diversity and contrast in my cymbals. This company understands the importance of creating cymbals that offer delicate shimmers and explosive blasts: truly the best of both worlds.

Please check back soon for more comments on other product endorsements!

Eric Starr has recently become a Regal Tip endorser. According to Eric, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Regal Tip artist roster. I have long used their sticks and brushes exclusively. The feel of their sticks allows for relaxed, natural playing. No other stick manufacturer has such a comfortable lacquer finish. And their brushes have set the standard.”

In December 2007, Eric officially joined the roster of Evans Drumheads and HQ Percussion. In his own words:

Evans drumheads are simply the best on the market. Not only do they offer a wide range of timbral choices—from focused to resonant, bright to warm—these heads are durable and long lasting. No matter what style of music you play, you can count on Evans to provide the options you need to create your signature sound. HQ Percussion’s “Real Feel” pads are the only drum pads you’ll ever need. Forget the pads of yesteryear that had little bounce or a loud, undesirable tone. HQ’s pure gum rubber pads offer superior rebound and a quiet yet articulate sound.

Muze
The World’s Leading Source of Entertainment Information
Music • Books • Video

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.

Read the rest of this entry →