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…
Women are often overlooked in the pantheon of jazz organists. But with her 50th album, Encore, Encore, Encore (Sunnyside), Paris-based Rhoda Scott has brought plenty of attention to her important role on the B-3.
The 12 tracks are evidence that Scott is a master at the organ tradition, while putting her own stamp on the legacy, often performing solo as the “Barefoot Lady,” a moniker she received due to her barefoot pedal work. On Encore, Encore, Encore, Scott performs almost solo, only accompanied by French drummer Lucian Dobat.
Except for Scott’s original “Do What ‘Cha Gotta Do” and Johnny Griffin’s blues “Sweet Sucker,” all fo the selections on the album are American popular standards. Kurt Weill’s “Mack The Knife” and the Comden-Green favorite “New York, New York” swing hard; and by contrast, Scott’s light-speed take on “If I Should Lose You” is fueled by the futuristic ideas of Larry Young. Other tracks on the album include “Pistachio,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” “In The Mood” and “In The Mood Biz.”
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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