Los Angeles-based guitarist Eric Astor is making his mark on the jazz scene with his debut CD, Coolfire. Featuring driving guitars and Latin rhythms, this album has a style like no other. From the country rock vibe of “Route 74" to the driving Latin beat of “Brooklyn", and the touching acoustic performance of “Forever", Coolfire spans genres with something for every listener.
“I've been planning, writing and dreaming about putting out an album for as long as I can remember," Astor says. “It's gratifying to have your music out there for people to hear, where it has a chance to really stand on its own."
Performing for more than 17 years, Astor started in school jazz bands, learning standards and core elements of big band, swing, blues, rock, funk, and Latin. Playing these diverse styles through high school and college - where his playing earned several accolades - enabled Astor to play any genre of music he came across. He received a dual bachelor's degree in audio engineering and jazz guitar from Lebanon Valley College. After graduation, he continued to expand his repertoire by playing on cruise ships as a member of several ensembles and a recognized solo performer. Thanks to his studies and travels, Astor has developed a style all his own.
In 2004, Astor moved to Los Angeles to be fully immersed in the professional world of music. Now in 2009, after years of writing and working at Entourage Studios as both an engineer and guitarist, Astor has created an album that truly expresses who he is musically. Influenced heavily by Santana, Larry Carlton, SRV, Clapton, and Eric Johnson, Coolfire is an album that appeals to both the jazz enthusiast and pop fan.
Coolfire is available online at ericastor.com, CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes. Astor will be touring across the country in support of the album starting in May of 2009.
“I've been planning, writing and dreaming about putting out an album for as long as I can remember," Astor says. “It's gratifying to have your music out there for people to hear, where it has a chance to really stand on its own."
Performing for more than 17 years, Astor started in school jazz bands, learning standards and core elements of big band, swing, blues, rock, funk, and Latin. Playing these diverse styles through high school and college - where his playing earned several accolades - enabled Astor to play any genre of music he came across. He received a dual bachelor's degree in audio engineering and jazz guitar from Lebanon Valley College. After graduation, he continued to expand his repertoire by playing on cruise ships as a member of several ensembles and a recognized solo performer. Thanks to his studies and travels, Astor has developed a style all his own.
In 2004, Astor moved to Los Angeles to be fully immersed in the professional world of music. Now in 2009, after years of writing and working at Entourage Studios as both an engineer and guitarist, Astor has created an album that truly expresses who he is musically. Influenced heavily by Santana, Larry Carlton, SRV, Clapton, and Eric Johnson, Coolfire is an album that appeals to both the jazz enthusiast and pop fan.
Coolfire is available online at ericastor.com, CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes. Astor will be touring across the country in support of the album starting in May of 2009.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
