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…
Guitarist John McLauglin posted “Lockdown Blues” to YouTube on Wednesday in an effort to raise funds for the Jazz Foundation of America.
(Photo: Ina Behrend)Guitarist John McLaughlin posted “Lockdown Blues” to YouTube on Wednesday in an effort to raise funds for the Jazz Foundation of America’s COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund.
“The pandemic has thrown hundreds of thousands of musicians out of work—and nobody knows for how long,” the guitarist, who came to prominence in Miles Davis’ electric band and subsequently spent decades exploring various strains of international music, jazz and fusion. “So, if you donate something—even something really small—thank you. If not, enjoy the music.”
Accompanied by the 4th Dimension—keyboardist Gary Husband, bassist Etienne Mbappe and drummer Ranjit Barot—McLaughlin turns in a relatively sedate fusion expedition, but one that still crackles with the sounds listeners have come to expect from the guitarist. “Lockdown Blues” also counts as the first piece of new music issued by the band in about five years, according to a press release.
To make a donation to JFA, visit the nonprofit’s website.
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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