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.
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
I had the pleasure of seeing Al Foster in 1980 or ‘82 at NYC’s Tin Palace. He was playing a purple Yamaha kit with a deep snare drum - I think 8”. The club was small and there was little space between where the band was set up (on the floor, as I remember) and people standing at the bar. He was in a trio backing vocalist Marion Cowings. I was thrilled to see him but somewhat taken aback by the prevailing attitudes of what seemed like the majority of the audience and the bar staff. Despite the Tin Palace being a regular music venue, there appeared to be little interest in the band and no concessions to anyone attempting to listen. An abiding memory is of a barman using a very noisy blender to make a pina colada whilst Marion Cowings attempted a ballad. He was credited by the singer at the end of the number!
"Destination: Out" had a great couple sets this a.m., and I'll be hitting some more this evening (6-9pm ET wfmu.org/drummer).
In going back through my library this week, I have to say: in his last couple decades, Foster is a pretty good composer, too. (Hadn't realized until I really paid attention.)
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.
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
I had the pleasure of seeing Al Foster in 1980 or ‘82 at NYC’s Tin Palace. He was playing a purple Yamaha kit with a deep snare drum - I think 8”. The club was small and there was little space between where the band was set up (on the floor, as I remember) and people standing at the bar. He was in a trio backing vocalist Marion Cowings. I was thrilled to see him but somewhat taken aback by the prevailing attitudes of what seemed like the majority of the audience and the bar staff. Despite the Tin Palace being a regular music venue, there appeared to be little interest in the band and no concessions to anyone attempting to listen. An abiding memory is of a barman using a very noisy blender to make a pina colada whilst Marion Cowings attempted a ballad. He was credited by the singer at the end of the number!
Wonderful memories, observations, insights. Thanks Vinnie.
Can you make a playlist of best Al Foster tracks?
"Destination: Out" had a great couple sets this a.m., and I'll be hitting some more this evening (6-9pm ET wfmu.org/drummer).
In going back through my library this week, I have to say: in his last couple decades, Foster is a pretty good composer, too. (Hadn't realized until I really paid attention.)