Frank Foster: The Saxophonist, Composer, and Architect of the Count Basie Sound

Introduction:

In the world of jazz, few musicians have left as indelible a mark as Frank Foster. Known primarily for his work as a saxophonist, composer, and arranger, Foster’s contributions helped shape the post-war sound of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. His signature arrangements, including the iconic “Shiny Stockings,” and his powerful tenor saxophone playing have cemented his place in jazz history. Yet, Foster’s career spanned far beyond his years with Basie, making him one of the most influential figures in the development of big band jazz during the second half of the 20th century.

This blog post will explore the life, legacy, and lasting contributions of Frank Foster, charting his rise as a saxophonist, his role as an arranger for Basie’s orchestra, and his later years as a composer, educator, and leader in his own right.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

Frank Benjamin Foster III was born ninety-six years ago today on September 23, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He pursued his education at Wilberforce University. In 1949, seeking new opportunities, Foster relocated to Detroit, Michigan, a city with a burgeoning jazz scene at the time. There, he immersed himself in the vibrant musical community, performing alongside renowned figures such as tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, and solidifying his place within the evolving post-war jazz landscape.

The Basie Years: Architect of the New Testament Sound

Foster’s big break came in 1953 when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra. At the time, the band was transforming. Having disbanded his earlier “Old Testament” band during the war years, Basie was now leading a smaller, leaner ensemble. This “New Testament” band was more streamlined and placed a heavier emphasis on sophisticated, intricate arrangements.

Foster quickly became a key figure in this new era of the Basie sound. Not only was he a gifted tenor saxophonist, but he also contributed several original compositions and arrangements that became cornerstones of the band’s repertoire. His composition, “Shiny Stockings,” was an instant hit. The piece, characterized by its smooth melody and lush harmonies, showcased Foster’s ability to write swinging, sophisticated charts that maintained the easygoing, relaxed feel that Basie was known for.

“Shiny Stockings” was not just a success in the jazz world—it became a standard, recorded by countless other musicians and performed regularly by the Basie band. Foster’s writing combined the bluesy, down-home feel of earlier Basie compositions with modern harmonic sophistication, bridging the gap between swing and the more complex post-bop era that was emerging in the 1950s.

Foster was also instrumental in shaping the overall sound of the Basie band during this period. His arrangements often featured tight, punchy brass sections and swinging rhythm sections that allowed for both precise ensemble playing and ample space for improvisation. In this way, Foster helped define the “New Testament” sound—a big band that was both powerful and nimble, capable of driving swing grooves as well as more intricate, modern arrangements.

Tenor Saxophone Mastery:

Though Foster is often celebrated for his compositions and arrangements, his work as a saxophonist is equally noteworthy. Foster’s tenor playing was rooted in the swing tradition of Lester Young but incorporated elements of bebop and hard bop that gave his sound a modern edge. His improvisations were fluid and melodic, characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and an unerring ability to craft memorable lines.

Beyond his work with Basie, Foster’s tenor saxophone playing can be heard on numerous recordings as a sideman. His distinctive style, which blended swing and bebop, made him a sought-after soloist in both small group and big band settings.

Life Beyond Basie: Leadership and Innovation

Foster’s association with the Count Basie Orchestra lasted for nearly two decades, but he was also a prolific leader in his own right. In the late 1960s, Foster left the Basie band to pursue other musical opportunities, forming his own big band, The Loud Minority.

Foster’s leadership extended beyond his own big band. He worked as a sideman and arranger for many other artists, including Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, and Elvin Jones. His versatility as both a performer and composer allowed him to thrive in a variety of musical contexts, from small bebop ensembles to large orchestras.

Return to Basie: The Legacy Continues

In June 1986, Frank Foster took over the leadership of the Count Basie Orchestra, succeeding the great Thad Jones. Under his direction, the orchestra continued to flourish, with Foster’s innovative arrangements garnering widespread acclaim. During his tenure, Foster received two Grammy Awards, further solidifying his legacy. The first came in 1987 for his big-band arrangement of Diane Schuur’s composition “Deedles’ Blues,” winning in the Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist (Jazz category). The following year, he earned his second Grammy for his masterful arrangement of guitarist and vocalist George Benson’s composition “Basie’s Bag,” which took home the award for Best Big Band Instrumental in the Jazz category. These accolades reflected Foster’s deep respect for Basie’s sound, coupled with his ability to inject fresh, dynamic energy into the music.

Later Years and Educational Contributions:

In addition to his work as a performer and bandleader, Foster was a dedicated educator. He taught at several universities, including the State University of New York at Buffalo, and gave masterclasses around the world. Foster was committed to passing on the jazz tradition to future generations, both through his teaching and through his work as a composer-in-residence at institutions like Jazzmobile in Harlem.

In the later years of his life, Foster continued to compose, arrange, and perform, despite suffering a stroke in 2001 that affected his ability to play the saxophone. Even after his stroke, Foster remained active in the jazz world, continuing to write music and mentor younger musicians. He passed away on July 26, 2011, but his legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the countless musicians he influenced.

Frank Foster’s contributions to jazz are both profound and far-reaching. As a saxophonist, his playing bridged the gap between the swing era and the modern jazz of the 1950s and beyond. As a composer and arranger, his work with the Count Basie Orchestra helped define the band’s post-war sound, leaving an indelible mark on big-band jazz. As a bandleader and educator, Foster ensured that the jazz tradition would continue to thrive for future generations.

Foster’s music continues to be performed and celebrated, both by the Count Basie Orchestra and by countless other musicians who have been inspired by his work. His compositions, including “Shiny Stockings” and “Blues in Hoss’ Flat,” remain standards in the jazz repertoire, and his arrangements continue to influence big band leaders and arrangers around the world. Frank Foster was not just a great musician—he was an architect of modern jazz, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.

References:

1. Gioia, T. (2021). The History of Jazz. Oxford University Press.
2. Cook, R. & Morton, B. (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings. Penguin Books.
3. Picture of Frank Foster and Dan Morgenstern. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Frank_Foster_(left)_and_Dan_Morgenstern.jpg