Reviews
“Consider this album as a compendium of delights: each player at ease and intent. The Vortex audience clearly loved it all, as did this reviewer. A racing certainty for my 'Top Ten of 2020' list.”
Peter Vacher, Jazzwise, ****
"Live At The Vortex shows us that Foster is creative in his writing with a diverse range of compositional styles and influences. These works are then enhanced by an inspirational rhythm section that display ingenuity and intelligence. Aside from his compositional skill, there can be no doubt of Foster’s ability to switch effortlessly and convincingly between three contrasting instruments. This is a highly satisfying journey, which operates at a high level in the art of jazz composition."
Tom Fletcher, Jazz Journal, ****
“So while music venues slowly start reopening, as a silver lining, getting to hear a recording like this gives listeners a a taste of what they are all desperately craving - live music at its finest.”
Lavender Sutton, London Jazz News
“Foster himself is a bright, imaginative soloist who exploits his instrument’s grainy, fruity charms perfectly, and his choice of material is impeccable. If you like your jazz warm, tasteful and elegant, without grandstanding [...] this is for you.”
Chris Parker, London Jazz Blogspot, November 2012 (Four Views)
“This is the fourth CD from Mick Foster, a master of the baritone saxophone with an obvious debt to Gerry Mulligan [...] His rich baritone sound and positive refined playing come over superbly on this very well recorded disc which features a popular selection of well loved melodic tunes.
Mick Foster deserves every success with this very enjoyable production, therapy for overworked ears.”
Brian Robinson, Jazz Journal, **** February 2013 (Four Views)
“Foster’s sound is warmer than some, occasionally Mulliganesque, his solos marked by fluency and the kind of pleasing ideas that imbue Ashworth’s contributions too […] it’s Foster who carries the day, focussed yet relaxed, the entire album a low-key delight.”
Peter Vacher, Jazz UK, October/November 2012 (Four Views)
“Britain has produced a highly select group of baritone saxophonist who may be truly called 'world-class'. They have included Freddy Gardiner, John Barnes, Ronnie Ross and John Surman, and the newest graduate to this select community is Mick Foster. His crafted and deeply melodic improvisational skills are applied, on this album, to a weathered selection of what may be truly called 'great tunes' all of which come up as fresh as a spring morning.”
Digby Fairweather, September 2012 (Four Views)
“Baritone saxophonist Mick Foster contributed the first solo of the evening, a beautifully melodic and soulful construction delivered with a rounded sound that would have had Ellington’s baritone cornerstone Harry Carney nodding with approval.”
Charles Alexander, Jazzwise Magazine, November 2010
Frank Griffith Nonet plays Billy Strayhorn
Purcell Room, London Jazz Festival
“Mick Foster’s bass saxophone was both punchy with impeccable timing and free flowing when required during his solos, particularly on the funky and frenetic She Knew Him”.
Charlie Anderson, Sussex Jazz Magazine, January 2015
Laura Jurd, Human Spirit
Verdict, Brighton
“The swinging 24/7 is a lively closing number and benefits from a searching baritone saxophone solo by Mick Foster.”
Roger Farbey, All About Jazz, October 2016
Jim Rattigan’s Pavillon, Strong Tea