Billy Foster is a respected pianist, composer, educator and producer. He has performed as a professional musician for the past 35 years and in addition to performing across the U.S. with others, has led his own groups much of that time. Mr. Foster has written and produced recordings with both "Billy Foster and Audio" and the "Billy Foster Trio". He is a featured soloist on two of guitarist Henry Johnson's CDs on MCA Records and can be heard on recordings by the Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio. His latest work as a recording artist can be heard on the CD, "Portrait" by the Billy Foster Trio. Mr. Foster has also written and produced music for several television commercials
AS AN EDUCATOR, Billy Foster recently retired from 35 years as a public school music teacher in Gary, In. He has served as jazz piano instructor at Valparaiso University since 1979. In this capacity he has conducted many jazz clinics, lectures and educational performances. In addition he served on the Indiana Arts Commission Advisory Panel for 3 years. Mr. Foster recieved a B.S. from Defiance College and an M.M. from Roosevelt University with addtional study at New York University.
Over the years Mr. Foster has played concerts with such luminaries as Art Farmer, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Ernie Watts, George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Red Rodney, Tom Harrell, Etta jones, Houston Person and many others.
The BILLY FOSTER TRIO plays jazz styles from Ellington to Miles and has worked together for over 25 years playing concerts, clubs and a variety of affairs throughout the U.S. Singer Renee Miles-Foster adds her exciting vocal interpretations to the group.
THE BILLY FOSTER JAZZ ZONE - Billy Foster is host of this popular radio program broadcast on WGVE Radio 88.7 Gary, In. each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
The CD "PORTAIT" features the work of Renee Miles-Foster-vocals, Bruce Evans-bass, Lannie Turner-drums. Jeff Brown-drums, Henry Johnson-guitar, Dr. Odies Williams-trumpet, Carl Coan-saxophone and Billy Foster-piano can be found at www.cdbaby.com/cd/billyfoster
Thanks Billy for the friendship, talk to you soon.
Jazz By Jeffrey McKinney
Here that sound That's Jazz man. That's Dixie and Spirituals Classical and rituals European and African Drums of Congo Square Chicago horns a blare Mississippi guitar and note book songs Singing stories of homeland stolen And a new Exodus to a new homeland above Now that’s love And that's Jazz
Kansas City Sassy Cotton club classy Caribbean Clava, Salsa, Bossa Nova Hot
Big Band ballroom dancing Delta blues New school ole school Syncopation Explanation? Thought you'd never ask Boy do you have class
It's about taking you on a trip If you're hip You will understand the Universal Sound For it is a mixture of all things Spirit and natural All in one Serious and fun Son, that's Jazz Ella, Duke, Satchmo Mo better blues, for sure But mo better everything I sing it too because I'm happy I sing it too because I'm free And when I'm free, I like to take you with me Don't you want to go You see with Jazz, you choose the destination The sound is only the transportation Dig
Then listen to some Jazz And take a little trip take a little trip take a little trip with me take a little trip take a little trip take a little trip and see
It's free and you don't even have to take a little sip To trip, well some do But that's them That doesn't have to be you You see you can meditate Celebrate And yes Procreate too, smiles Well you sho nuff can if that's your plan
Well my friend don't hate and don't procrastinate It's just a matter of what destination YOU CHOOSE to take But do go, we all need to sometimes ESCAPE All aboard;)
Thank you for your friendship. Please check out the my flyer for the great lineup of musicians I’m going to be working with at the Iridium Jazz Club on June 16th. I am so excited! Peace and love, Pat Holley
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Hi Billy! Hope things are well with you. I love the recordings and wish I could come see the trio @ Pestos. The next time I'm in NW Indiana I'll be sure to stop by.
Mr Foster, What an honor to be your friend. What was it like playing with Etta Jones? Tom Harrel? Ernie Watts?(ect..) I've been listening to Etta since 1975.She's my favorite! Saw Tom Harrel at UNT and he went right thru my heart- What beauty. Thanks sooo much for the friendship. By the way, Happy Birthday! Kool Julie
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