Out of the local music scene, prominent acts such as the Goo Goo Dolls and Ani DiFranco have made significant strides in their genres.
Former UB student Nelson Starr can be added to the talent agenda, as he is becoming one of the most critically acclaimed musicians in the Buffalo area.
Stirring up musical concoctions from jazz elements, ethnic music, and classic rock, Starr's interests spread across the board.
"I like to take the best example in each genre and learn something from it," Starr said. "You could consider me an eclecticist because I appreciate it all."
Starr's strong background as a musician, composer, and producer has helped him get to where he is today. Storming the Buffalo music scene in 1990 with the formation of The Tails, he went on to co-produce four albums and performed with countless rock and jazz groups over the years.
Between playing bass, guitar, keyboards, and singing, Starr's multi-instrumental talent is what really sets him apart from other local musicians. In an interview with The Spectrum, Starr discussed his expanding career.
"If you want to get ahead in the business, you've got to cover your bases," said Starr. "The more instruments and musical styles you can play, the more opportunity you will have."
Not only does he play different instruments, he is musically fluent in multiple genres. He has played classical, reggae and everything in between. However, if you ask him where his true passion lies, he'll tell you he's "really a rocker and a jazz guy."
Starr has received countless awards over the years from the Buffalo Music Awards and Artvoice, including Best Original Male Vocalist, Best Original Keyboardist, and Best Rock Keyboardist.
His most recent big break comes with his tour debut as the keyboardist for former Tea Party front man Jeff Martin's solo project. He played with Martin at a gig in Buffalo, where they established a great rapport on stage, and one thing led to another.
"I could be what you'd call a musician's musician." Starr said. "I just happened to fit well with what he was trying to do."
Their worldwide tour kicks off on April 20, where they will tour across Canada, from Quebec City all the way to Vancouver.
After some time off, the group will head to Australia, then do a show in Dubai, and then are set to play select dates in Europe and the U.S.
Concerning future endeavors, Starr plans on sticking with Jeff Martin for the time being, possibly trying out other similar gigs along the way. He already has a solo EP released in 2002 and is planning a follow up pop album with his own original compositions.
On top of it all, Nelson concurrently wrote and scored music for the show, "Psychic Detectives" on Court TV and is hoping to expand his career with other TV and film projects.
There isn't much Nelson Starr can't do. Not many artists out there possess his astounding musical virtuoso, and Starr might just be the kind of talent Buffalo needs to brighten the local scene.
