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…
In support of the release of River: The Joni Letters (Verve), pianist Herbie Hancock will embark on a brief tour of West Coast venues this November.
In addition to band members Vinnie Colaiuta, Nathan East and Lionel Loueke, Hancock will be joined by young singer Sonya Kitchell. Kitchell will handle vocal duties for performances of songs appearing on the album, a tribute to Hancock’s friend and fellow music icon Joni Mitchell. “When Sonya and I first met at one of her performances last year, I was blown away by her professionalism, her grace and, of course, her amazing voice,” Hancock said. “We brought her in to perform Joni’s ‘All I Want’ for ‘River,’ and I was sold. She’s definitely one to watch, and I’m thrilled she can join us for the West Coast dates.”
West Coast tour dates include:
Nov. 8: Fairfield Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, Calif.
Nov. 9: John Van Duzer Theater, Arcata, Calif.
Nov. 10: Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco (San Francisco Jazz Festival)
Nov. 11: Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Nov. 14: Centennial Hall, Tucson, Ariz.
Nov. 15: Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, N.M.
Nov. 16: Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix
For more details, go to herbiehancock.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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