Inspirations & Dedications by Al Foster

"Al Foster doesn't use INSPIRATIONS & DEDICATIONS to solidify his position as one of jazz's legendary drummers. He doesn't have to. Instead, he utilizes the album to pay homage to his history within the genre. His friends, his family, and his colleagues all receive treatment, and now more than ever, it becomes apparent how great the breadth of his footprint has been."
-- Peter Hoetjes, All About Jazz

"The 76-year-old drummer is an esteemed master and a consummate sideman. From Sonny Rollins to Joe Henderson, Foster has rubbed shoulders with jazz royalty. While these new tunes have blossomed from experiences with family and friends, the music’s pleasures avail themselves regardless of whether listeners know the characters being referenced."
-- Jim Macnie, Downbeat

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Inspiration comes from many sources. For legendary drummer Al Foster, it stems from the two groups of people who are closest to him: the jazz giants he’s been honored to play with (and who, though he’d be the last to admit it, have been blessed to work with him); and, first and foremost, his family. On INSPIRATIONS & DEDICATIONS Foster pays back his loved ones and collaborators with a set of songs written or interpreted in their honor.

INSPIRATIONS & DEDICATIONS is largely composed of Foster’s original tunes, which lovingly tip their hats to his wife, children, grandchildren, colleagues, and even himself. The album is bookended by a pair of classics by two of the jazz icons with whom the drummer has worked extensively: Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. Each piece comes vividly to life through Foster’s stellar quintet: trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonist Dayna Stephens, pianist Adam Birnbaum, and longtime bassist (and dedicatee) Doug Weiss.

The pieces on the album aren’t portraits but gifts, beloved tunes titled as remembrances and appreciations. Foster has been acknowledging the people who’ve made an impact on his life for as long as he’s been writing music. “I’m getting up there in age,” says the 76-year old drummer, though he’s also quick to point out that he’s in good health. “My musical life has been unbelievable, and I love my family. I just wanted to leave them something to enjoy with my songs.”

Al Foster, a renowned master drummer, was a major innovator in bebop, jazz-rock, and funk for nearly 60 years. He was integral to Miles Davis’ bands in the 1970s to the ‘80s before collaborating extensively with Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson. His playing was understated and sensitive but passionate and powerful at the same time.

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