An excellent, cool-toned straight-ahead altoist influenced by
Lee Konitz and
Warne Marsh, Gary Foster's years in the studios have often been underrated despite his talents. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 and soon settled in the Los Angeles area, where he has been active ever since in the studios, as a woodwind teacher, and in big bands, including those of
Clare Fischer (since 1965),
Louie Bellson,
Toshiko Akiyoshi (in the 1970s), and
the Marty Paich Dek-tette.
Foster also played often with
Warne Marsh,
Laurindo Almeida, and
Jimmy Rowles; recorded with
Cal Tjader,
Poncho Sanchez, and
Mel Tormé; and led sessions of his own for Revelation (four records during 1968-1985) and Concord. ~ Scott Yanow