Album Notes

Best of JazzChiago.net for 2007

Eclectic music to spark your imagination –Jimmy Heath: Jazz Legend

I love talented drummers, and there’s such a talent in there. Keep your eyes out for this one. -Armand DeMille- WBAI NYC

The thing that makes this disc special is the way it's both laid back and challenging at the same time... His disc is yet another subtle gem form the downtown music network.- Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

A creative composer who combines world music and jazz and has come out with one of the most innovative records I have heard in sometime. Steve Caputo- Inside Connection Magazine

...A truly interesting and entertaining blend of American Jazz, Caribbean, Indian and Pakistani and other world music. Alabaster’s years of playing with a wide range of artists from throughout the globe has influenced his effort here and the upshot is a release that should please adventurous listeners tired of the same listening experience.


...Alabaster has assembled a stellar cast to create his visionary sounds: “Jazz Passengers” leader Roy Nathanson lends his talents on alto and soprano sax, adding several tasty solos, while trumpeter Duane Eubanks provides his usual exemplary sounds. ..throughout, bandleader Alabaster plays with awareness and quiet potency.

...With his recording of crazy love music, drummer/composer Alabaster has crafted a noteworthy release that reveals its secrets more upon repeated listening."
Review by Brad Walseth JazzChicago.Net

It is a good kind of fusion that doesn't short shrift the richness of possibility...Drummer Eric Alabaster shows himself flexible and able to mesh with the Indian stylistic parameters with conviction...one of the more successful Jazz-Indian Fusion outings in some time. Cadence Magazine

Eric Alabaster is a drummer & composer and educator. Based n New York, where he was born, Eric has been playing professionally since his early teens. He has traveled and performed throughout the Caribbean, Pakistan, Europe and the United States.

Some favorites: Louis Armstrong; Duke Ellington; Hector Lavoe; Mehdi Hassan; Ustad Alarakah; Ghulam Ali Khan; Fidah Hussain Khan; Roy Haynes; Alan Dawson, to name a few.