Foster, Al
Jazzeyes, 2026, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 32.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 80
O’s Notes: Master drummer Al Foster made a practice of spending his birthdays at Smoke Jazz Club, and this posthumous album captured the last of these celebrations on January 18-19, 2025. We lost Al on May 28 of 2025 at 82 years old. But he was swinging to the end as evidenced by this live session with pianist Brad Mehldau, Joe Martin on bass, and saxophonist Chris Potter leading most melodies. It is a two-disc set with nine well-developed selections. “Amsterdam Blues”, “Old Folks”, “Pent-Up House”, Everything Happens To Me”, and “Malinda” stand out in an engaging set.
Publicist: AMT Public Relations
