Young
drummer and post-graduate student Jon Foster has put on a stellar recital
performance that married the elements of both the traditional and the modern
into a unique, sophisticated voice.
Employing
a sextet using the talents of guitarist Mike McCormick, bassist Connor Walsh,
pianist Andrew Slade, trumpeter David Baldry and vocalist Laura Swankey, they
explore choice standards, modern jazz, original compositions, and a tune from
the popular alternative band Radiohead.
To
get things rolling, Jon and his group go through a very swinging reading of a
classic romantic standard, “No Moon At All”.
It was a very spirited romp that swung easily, Jon’s drumming was very
light to the touch and not heavy at all, and in addition to melodic solos by
David Baldry and Andrew Slade, Jon’s drumming techniques throughout the piece
was both colorful and complimented the music effectively.
The
most interesting piece would have to be the group’s take on Radiohead’s
“Paranoid Android”, which fused classical elements along with a hard driving
groove in 7/4 that pushed the music beyond the limits and into sheer rhythmic
and melodic overdrive.
After
the modern detour, it is back to standard repertoire through a groovy, exotic
Latin reading of Juan Tizol’s “Caravan”.
This piece started off with great introductory interplay among the
piano, bass and drums and climaxed with a tasteful drum solo by Jon that again
showed creativity, texture and colour into his drum techniques.
In
addition to being a colourful and tasteful drummer, Jon also showed his skills
as a very lyrical composer. On
“Soleil De La Mer”, it showed off a picturesque beauty of a lakeside sunset,
complimented with a spiritually moving solo by guitarist Mike McCormick. After a brief improvised piece on the drums
featuring the use of tom-tom sticks, he goes right into his own “San
Francisco”, employing a 12/8 Latin feel with classical elements thrown in for
exotic texture and complexity.
Laura
Swankey, whom I had the pleasure of reviewing recently, provides great vocal
readings on “Speak Low” and “From This Moment On”. Her voice carried a lot of depth and
meaning, and her scatting is very musical and uses a whole wide array of syllable
choices to make it sound hip and interesting.
No wonder musicians love to work with her, for she is truly a
“musician’s singer”.
Upon
attending this recital, I wish nothing more but the best for Jon Foster as he
pursues and grows further as a well grounded drummer and composer in the world
of jazz and beyond for many years to come.
JON
FOSTER OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
(Jon Foster. Photo by Alexander Ordanis)
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