FRANK FOSTER TRIBUTE at BIRDLAND Sun. Jan. 27th

2004-2019

15th Anniversary

In 2004, The George Gee Swing Orchestra had the good fortune to collaborate with the legendary Frank Foster (NEA Jazzmaster, longtime Count Basie saxophonist and master Big Band arranger/composer (Shiny Stockings)). Frank and bandleader George Gee discussed for years the possibility of combining forces to record many of Foster’s rarer Big Band music. The results were “Settin’ The Pace”, The Music of Frank Foster recorded with the full 17 piece jazz orchestra under the personal guidance of Frank himself, step by step and note by note!

The CD cracked the Top 50 jazz charts by receiving extensive worldwide radio airplay and was even considered for a Grammy nomination. Frank and George was extremely proud and it helped furthered their enduring friendship.

Now fifteen years later in 2019, world-famous jazz club Birdland will host a special show paying tribute to the great Frank Foster on Sunday, January 27th for the 6pm set. With a powerhouse big band consisting of saxophonists Julius Tolentino, David DeJesus, Michael Hashim, Anthony Nelson Jr. & Tony Lustig, trombonists David Gibson (music dr.), Willie Applewhite, Ben Barnett & Gina Benalcazar, trumpeters John Walsh, Michael Sailors, Andy Gravish & Freddie Hendrix, pianist Steve Einerson, bassist Marcus McLaurine, guitarist Sam Raderman, drummer Brian Fishler and singer John Dokes - bandleader George Gee will lead them in a special set Frank Foster Big Band favorites. A special night indeed!

Sun Jan. 27

Doors Open at 5pm, Set at 6pm