![]() Foster, already an accomplished composer by this time, learned from Basie how to simplify arrangements to make the music swing. Foster's fiery solos contrasted nicely with Frank Wess' ballad work, providing Basie with an interesting saxophone combination. ![]() Drafted into the Army, Foster left Detroit and headed off to basic training near San Francisco, where he would jam in the evenings at Jimbo's Bop City.Īfter being discharged in 1953, two life-changing events happened to Foster: he sat in with Charlie Parker at Birdland and he was asked to join Count Basie's band, where he stayed until 1964. Foster studied at Wilberforce University in Ohio before heading to Detroit in 1949 with trumpeter Snooky Young for six weeks, becoming captivated by its burgeoning music scene. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was leading and writing the arrangements for a 12-piece band. Therefore, it is with extreme happiness and gratitude that I accept the fellowship award for the year 2002."Īlthough best known for his work in the Count Basie Orchestra (and as the composer of the Count Basie hit, "Shiny Stockings"), Frank Foster's saxophone playing owed more to the bebop of Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt than the swing of Basie.įoster began playing clarinet at 11 years old before taking up the alto saxophone and eventually the tenor. In view of this unfortunate reality, it’s quite fitting and honorable that a prestigious entity such as the National Endowment for the Arts recognizes the artistic, aesthetic and spiritual value of this home-grown music through the American Jazz Masters Fellowship. "Although jazz has been officially declared a national treasure in recent years, far too few of its representative artists ever receive sufficient acknowledgement in the mass media. ![]()
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