Even if you put the "shooting star" puns aside, it can't be denied - the extensive r?(c)sum?(c) 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.'"
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
