Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Jazz vocalist Allan Harris, who has recorded six jazz albums to date including The Music Of Duke Ellington, has recently completed the first 10 songs of his musical trilogy entitled Cross That River. The album features songs written by Harris that reflect on life as a slave, as well as songs that tell of joyful expressions of freedom and compassion. Through these songs listeners encounter a group of free African American characters during the 1850s.
Harris combines jazz and country, both genres that have greatly influenced him and his music, to create a musical work that attempts to answer questions about the African American experience in this country. In response to what the artist calls the “negative portrayal of our culture in America’s history,” Harris writes music that he hopes will be “a source of pride for all Americans.”
Cross That River will be available in February 2006 through ArtistShare, which allows artists to connect with their fan base during the artistic process. Harris has debuted the title song from the collection during “Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall” and will debut the complete work at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in March as part of Country Music Week.
For more information, go to www.allanharris.com.
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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