CD Reviews: Tony Foster “In Between Moods”
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Posted by: editoron Monday, December 28, 2009 - 09:34 AM |
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By: Edward Blanco
Originally from North Vancouver and currently based in the Seattle, Washington, Canadian pianist Tony Foster offers his debut trio recording with an ambitious repertoire of tunes that includes music from George and Ira Gershwin, John Clayton and Oscar Peterson among the mix of light jazz that features four sparkling originals. Along with bassist Russel Botten and drummer Joe Poole, the trio tackles Billy Strayhorn's classic “Take the A Train” in the opening track, inspired by the Ahmad Jamal arrangement of the tune, provides an upbeat perky rendition in contrast to the slow laid back style adopted by the Ellington band. Speaking of “perky,” wait till you sample Oscar Peterson's “Cakewalk” another lively piece of music that Foster admits was “CERTAINLY NOT a cakewalk to play!
Foster delivers a striking solo performs on his original “Colors of Siena,” a delightful ballad that contrasts the pianists playing from the previous two tracks. Staying with the ballads, Foster includes another original in “How I Miss the Rain,” where bassist Botten is especially pronounced, and the medley “Someone to Watch Over Me/ You've Changed.” On John Clayton's “Serious Grease” Foster let's it all hang out on a very jazzy performance like the one you'd expect to hear in a smoke-filled jazz club.
Every musician is influenced by one or more artists throughout their career and Foster is no different claiming influences from Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Cedar Walton and Monty Alexander just to name a few. One however seemed to be the primary influence and that of course was Miles Davis' favorite pianist, Ahmad Jamal to which Foster pays tribute here with the inclusion of Dado Moroni's “Jamal,” a delicious piece that the pianist inhabits thoroughly. The other tune dedicated to the legendary pianist is the very brisk “Mr. J,” which he plays with gusto laying into the keys in a tune possessing a simple race-horse tempo.
Pianist Tony Foster's trio recording debut of “In Between Moods,” deserves more than a listen it deserves to be savored from beginning to end for this is one impressive album of contemporary light jazz that tend to grab your attention. Foster and crew are simply marvelous here leaving quite an impression with their performance and hopefully, building a foundation for an encore performance in the future.
Year: 2009
Label: Self Published
Artist Web: www.tonyfostermusic.com
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