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…
Pianist Billy Taylor will release Billy Taylor & Gerry Mulligan Live at MCG on Tuesday, following the online release of his first extended work.
The album, recorded live at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) in 1993, captured a unique performance between the two jazz masters, also including Chip Jackson on bass and Carl Allen on drums. The date took place three years before Mulligan’s death, and showcases his jovial relationship with longtime friend Taylor.
The record comes on the heels of new material on Taylor’s web site. His extended work, Suite for Jazz Piano and Orchestra, has made its online debut on billytaylor.com. Taylor was commissioned to write the suite for the Utah Symphony in the 1970s, and he went on to write a number of other lengthy works, including “Let Us Make A Joyful Noise” and “Peaceful Warrior,” which will also be featured on the site later this year.
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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