Jazz breaking news: Basie Arranger Saxophonist Frank Foster Dies
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Best known as an arranger and saxophonist in an era when big bands ruled the roost on the jazz scene Frank Foster, whose name was synonymous with the Count Basie Orchestra, one of the greatest swinging big bands of them all, died yesterday aged 82.
Foster later went on after Basie’s death to lead the successful “ghost band” in the 1980s succeeding Thad Jones but his heyday was certainly with Basie in the 50s and early-60s, writing and arranging songs such as the perennial big band repertory favourite ‘Shiny Stockings’.
Foster died of complications following kidney failure his wife confirmed to The New York Times, following years of ill health particularly after he was struck down by a stroke a decade ago which brought his career as a saxophonist to an end, although he continued to arrange. In his heyday as well as collaborating with Basie Foster worked extensively as a freelance arranger and player with a robust playing style beloved of mainstream jazz fans, basically a modified bebop and swing hybrid although he gravitated towards hard bop earlier in his career and even explored the music of John Coltrane, later performing with Trane’s drummer Elvin Jones in the 1970s.
During his time as leader of the Basie band Foster won two Grammys in the 80s for arranging ‘Deedles’ Blues’ and the George Benson composition ‘Basie’s Bag’. His albums include Here Comes Frank Foster and New Faces, New Sounds for Blue Note, and Fearless Frank Foster for Prestige. – Stephen Graham