Discussion about this post

User's avatar
John's avatar

I only got to hear Al Foster a handful of times while living in NYC.

The one thing that struck me, and stayed with me about Al's playing, because it had been suggested to me by a couple of my mentors, was to always have a "gear" or two in reserve.

Don't show everything you have to offer every time you sit down to play.

Al Foster exhibited this when I heard him live and on recordings. There was always something I hadn't heard before in dozens of recordings, live performances, and a few bootlegs that friends turned me on to.

There was so much depth, knowledge, and restrained, controlled exuberance in his playing.

He always seemed to know just the right time to "step on the gas" and let go.

Mr. Foster was a true master. I am saddened to think he's no longer with us.

Expand full comment
Greg's avatar

Great concerts, thanks...I saw Joe at the jazz bakery in Culver city around those years and I think it was foster and holland...just can't recall...but horace silver and his recognizable fisherman's hat was in the audience that night

Expand full comment
4 more comments...

No posts