I hugged Al Foster last night. Anyone familiar with my Asperger’s-like traits knows such embraces are out of character for me, but the extraordinarily gracious drummer seemed to enjoy greeting well-wishers at the conclusion of the last of three sets at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club.
In an engagement billed as his 75th birthday party, Foster lead a band of trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonist Danye Stephens, pianist Adam Birnbaum, and bassist Doug Weiss. The superstar saxophonist Chris Potter sat in. It was swinging.
Less than 20 people heard the vital set by the auspicious musicians. The $40 cover and $20 bar minimum were prohibitive. Sure enough, a couple dozen people poured into the club for the subsequent free after-midnight set by a band of young musicians who took advantage of the opportunity to impress Foster.
(Original image by Plastic Sax.)
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