Frank Foster
b. 23 September 1928, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Although he began his musical career playing alto saxophone, Foster showed commendable foresight in deciding to change to tenor saxophone and flute, declaring his intention of following his own path and not the one sign-posted by Charlie Parker. In the late 40s he played with several like-minded spirits in the Detroit area, among them Wardell Gray and Snooky Young, before serving in the armed forces. In 1953 he joined Count Basie and became a significant member of the band as soloist, arranger and composer ("Shiny Stockings"). After 11 years with Basie he joined Elvin Jones, another of the musicians with whom he had played in Detroit early in his career. In the mid-60s he formed a big band which continued to play intermittently over the next decade. He also played with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and co-led a small group with former Basie section-mate Frank Wess. In the mid-80s Foster began a long stint as frontman for the reactivated Basie band, with which he toured the USA and Europe.
Listen to Frank Foster
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2007) Manhattan Fever
- (2007) Soul Outing!
Top Tracks
- The Summer Knows
- Fly By Night (2007 Digital Remaster)
- Little Miss No Nose (2007 Digital Remaster)
- Night Song
- Seventh Avenue Bill (2007 Digital Remaster)
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