Frank Foster Vinyl Records Lps For Sale

Check out these new and used Frank Foster vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Frank Foster vinyl collection with the essential albums Here And Now, Frankly Speaking and Manhattan Fever. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from jazz musicians.

Frank Foster Vinyl Records Lps For Sale

Frank Foster: Tenor Titan of Big Band Jazz

Frank Foster (1928–2011) was a master of the tenor saxophone, a visionary composer, and one of the most influential big band arrangers of the 20th century. With a career that spanned over six decades, Foster was most famously associated with the Count Basie Orchestra, but his contributions to jazz reached far beyond that iconic ensemble. His music combined the precision of swing with the adventurousness of bebop, and his writing brought a modern energy to big band jazz. As both a performer and a bandleader, Frank Foster left an indelible mark on the genre.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Foster began playing music at an early age, starting with clarinet and switching to saxophone in his teens. His formal education in music continued at Wilberforce University in Ohio, a historically Black college where he played in the school’s jazz ensemble. After graduation and a stint in the U.S. Army, Foster made his way to Detroit, a fertile ground for jazz talent in the 1940s and ’50s. It wasn’t long before his bold tenor playing caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the business.

Foster’s defining professional moment came in 1953 when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra. He would remain with the band for over a decade, and it was during this time that his reputation soared. Not only was he a powerful soloist with a bright, urgent tone and flawless timing, but he also became one of the band’s most important arrangers and composers. His signature piece, Shiny Stockings, composed in 1955, became a jazz standard and a highlight of the Basie repertoire. Foster’s writing brought a contemporary edge to Basie’s traditional swing sound, incorporating elements of bebop and hard bop into his lush, swinging arrangements.

After leaving Basie’s band in the mid-1960s, Foster pursued a more eclectic path. He played with a variety of ensembles and led his own big bands, including the Loud Minority Band, known for its socially conscious themes and high-energy performances. He also worked with vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra and collaborated with fellow jazz giants such as Elvin Jones and Thad Jones. His range as an artist allowed him to move effortlessly between genres, from soulful hard bop to fiery modal jazz to expansive big band arrangements.

In 1986, Foster returned to the Count Basie Orchestra—not just as a player, but as its leader following the death of Basie’s successor, Thad Jones. As musical director, he steered the band into a new era, preserving its rich history while also introducing new material. He led the orchestra until 1995, during which time the band won multiple Grammy Awards and maintained its status as one of the top jazz ensembles in the world.

Foster’s talent extended beyond the bandstand. He was a prolific composer and arranger for orchestras and jazz ensembles worldwide and often received commissions for special performances. Even after suffering a stroke in 2001 that ended his ability to perform on saxophone, he continued to compose and mentor young musicians. His impact on jazz education was significant, and many modern arrangers credit him as a key influence.

Five Notable Albums by Frank Foster

  1. Here Comes Frank Foster (1954)
    This was Foster’s debut as a bandleader and showcased his vibrant tenor saxophone style. Recorded for Blue Note, the album features a hard bop sound and strong original compositions that demonstrate Foster’s early potential as both a soloist and composer.
  2. No ‘Count (1956)
    A unique session featuring members of the Count Basie Orchestra, this album captures Foster in a small group setting. The title plays off the absence of Count Basie, but his spirit lingers in the swinging rhythm and bluesy improvisations.
  3. Manhattan Fever (1968)
    Released on Blue Note, this album stands out for its blend of big band arrangements and more modern jazz textures. The tracks are driven by bold brass sections and complex rhythms, and it reflects Foster’s expanding musical language in the late 1960s.
  4. The Loud Minority (1972)
    One of Foster’s most politically charged and adventurous albums, The Loud Minority features a large ensemble performing high-energy compositions with themes of social justice and empowerment. The album is both musically daring and emotionally powerful.
  5. Two for the Blues (1984)
    A collaboration with longtime Basie saxophone partner Frank Wess, this album is a tribute to their shared history and deep musical rapport. It features swinging tunes and blues-infused ballads, all played with warmth and sophistication.

Legacy

Frank Foster’s legacy is multifaceted. As a saxophonist, his robust tone and fiery solos made him a standout player. As an arranger, he helped redefine the sound of the big band in the post-swing era. As a composer, he crafted works that became jazz standards. And as a leader, he ensured the Count Basie Orchestra remained relevant long after Basie’s death. Foster received numerous accolades throughout his life, including being named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2002, the highest honor in American jazz.

Even today, Foster’s work continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike. His compositions remain staples in jazz programs around the world, and his recordings offer a vibrant window into the evolution of modern big band jazz. Frank Foster was more than just a musician—he was a builder of sound, a guardian of tradition, and a fearless innovator.

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