Frank Foster

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 23, 1928, Frank Foster was a very talented tenor saxophonist and arranger, associated with the Count Basie Orchestra off and on from 1953 to 1995. Early on, he played in Detroit with many talented local players and, after a period in the Army (1951-1953), he joined Basie's big band. Well featured on tenor during his Basie years (1953-1964), Foster also contributed plenty of arrangements and such originals as "Down for the Count," "Blues Backstage," and the standard "Shiny Stockings."

In the latter half of the 1960s, Foster was a freelance writer. In addition to playing with Elvin Jones (1970-1972) and occasionally with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, he led his Loud Minority big band. In 1983, Foster co-led a quintet with Frank Wess and he toured Europe with Jimmy Smith in 1985.

Although influenced by John Coltrane in his playing, Foster was...

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Frank Foster Albums

1 record

Albums featuring Frank Foster

33 records