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Al Foster: Monk’s Bossa

By Carl Medsker
June 3, 2025
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On May 28, 2025, Al Foster passed away at the age of 82. He brought strong, imaginative, percussive grooves and swing to bebop, post-bop, modal, funk and fusion for over 60 years—even a little calypso and bossa. A very partial list of the musicians Al Foster performed with includes Dexter Gordon, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Charlie Haden, Kenny Barron, John Scofield and more. Many more.

His discography as a leader is limited, consisting of only eight albums, with most recorded in the 2000s. However, he appeared on nearly a hundred other albums, including thirteen with Miles Davis and countless live performances. Art Taylor and Joe Chambers were his early influences, but he evolved throughout his career, noting even as he approached 80 that he was still seeking new sounds and ways to play the drums, rather than repeating himself. No wonder he was such an in-demand first-call drummer.

Here is his composition "Monk's Bossa" from Reflections (2022, Smoke Sessions), his last session as a leader. Joining him are Chris Potter (saxophones), Nicholas Payton (trumpet) and Vicente Archer (bass).

Thank you, Mr. Foster.

Contact Carl Medsker on All About Jazz.
Half my career in healthcare, half in IT, passionate jazz fan throughout.

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