John Foster

Being one of the newest percussion instruments on the planet, (circa 1939) the steel pan is actually on a similar timeline with the development of modern jazz. Taking into consideration strong African influences and a hybridization process, they appear to be a natural combination. Pan Master Leon Foster Thomas has taken the instrument most associated with his homeland of Trinidad, right into the heart of jazz composition and performance with Metamorphosis, in a bold rhythmic and melodic encounter.

Count Basie may have died in 1984 but his orchestra continues to roll on without any loss of quality. The 1992 edition was filled with strong soloists and swinging arrangements. Leader Frank Foster wrote most of the charts for this CD (including the fine four-part "Count Basie Remembrance Suite") . There are good individual features for Kenny Hing on tenor, trombonist Clarence Banks, electric guitarist Charlton Johnson and Foster himself ("Here's That Rainy Day") but it is the strong ensembles that make this a rewarding set. ~ Scott Yanow