This double reissue combines saxophonist
Frank Foster's first U.S. recording and a session led by pianist
George Wallington that took place one week later with
Foster sitting in. Recorded for Blue Note in Hackensack, NJ, on May 5, 1954,
Here Comes Frank Foster (also issued as New Faces, New Sounds) was only
Foster's second album as a leader. His debut album was recorded one month earlier for the Vogue label in Paris, France.
Here Comes Frank Foster fits neatly with other albums from the mid-'50s Blue Note catalog.
Foster shares the spotlight with trombonist
Benny Powell, and the rhythm section of
Gildo Mahones,
Percy Heath, and
Kenny Clarke is superb. On tracks eight through 17,
Foster is heard as a member of the George Wallington Showcase band, recorded for Blue Note on May 12, 1954. This solid little organization included
James Moody's ace trumpeter
Dave Burns, trombonist
Jimmy Cleveland, baritone saxophonist
Danny Bank, bassist
Oscar Pettiford, and, once again, drummer
Kenny "Klook" Clarke. Arrangements were scored by
Quincy Jones. This straight-ahead hard bop is tasty and stimulating. Use the four alternate takes for a chaser. ~ arwulf arwulf