In Between Moods

'In Between Moods' was recorded entirely at the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) studios in Vancouver, Canada, for the Jazzbeat and Hot Air radio programs. The material features four of Foster's compositions, and combined with the other tracks, take the listener on a trip through different moods and musical colors. The album is very much about 'influence'- both musical influence and the influence of places Foster has visited which left strong impressions. He is joined by two great friends and musicians: bassist Russell Botten and drummer Joe Poole. 'Mr. J.' and 'Jamal' both pay tribute to pianist Ahmad Jamal, while 'Cakewalk' is an Oscar Peterson tune which is certainly NOT a cakewalk to play! Foster's arrangement of 'Take the 'A' Train' was inspired by the great arrangements of the Ahmad Jamal Trio (particulary the group with Israel Crosby on bass and Vernell Fournier on drums). 'Colors of Siena' was written as the result of a visit to Siena, Italy. As a city Foster was inspired by the different moods and colors...from the red bricks of Il Campo to the Middle Ages feel of the streets. 'How I Miss the Rain' is definitely a Vancouver tune. Many would find it difficult to believe but sometimes, one can actually miss those gray rainy Vancouver days. 'In Between Moods' (the title track) has two main parts. The primary melody is minor, and somewhat classical sounding, but transitions into an open solo section which is based on a series of major chords. These sections each provide a very different mood. 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and 'You've Changed' are combined in a ballad medley to give a release for the listener, and slow things down a little. The album closes with bassist John Clayton's 'Serious Grease'- a natural fit for bassist Russ Botten and Joe Poole to lock in on a groove with Foster! Tony Foster was born and raised in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. He received his initial musical training early on, in the form of classical piano lessons privately. In school bands, his main instrument became the trumpet. His studies on the trumpet continued until college, and it was not until this time that his focus changed to piano. Foster began playing with various university ensembles on the piano (highlighted by performances with guests such as jazz saxophone legend Phil Woods), and graduated in 1996 from UBC (University of British Columbia) with a Commerce Degree. Eventually choosing to pursue a musical career, he was a 1998 recipient of the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship. Foster then participated in a residency at the Banff Jazz Workshop in 2000 where he studied jazz piano and performed with notable jazz artists including saxophonist David Liebman, multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson, pianist Kenny Werner, and bassist Ray Drummond. Foster has been featured with his own trio on CBC's nationally broadcast JAZZBEAT as well as the CBC program Hot Air hosted by Neil Ritchie. Foster has performed with such notable jazz legends as Ernestine Anderson, Red Holloway, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Colman, Dee Daniels, Jeff Hamilton, and Peter Washington. 'Today I received the CD of Tony Foster and was very nicely surprised by Tony's great style and skills. For instance, what a great interpretation of The A' Train. This CD will be a treat to my listeners.' Joost Van Steen, Jazz & Blues Tour Radio - The Netherlands 'Tony Foster is awesome, I love his playing' Peter Kuller, Radio Adelaide - Australia 'One thing I appreciate about Tony Foster's playing, is it's very fresh phrasing..he kind of strikes sparks from the piano with really inspired use of time that not many players seem to come by so easily.' Katie Malloch, CBC Radio.