groups
Mick has a number of groups and ensembles that play a wide variety of music. These projects are regular ensembles that play concerts nationally. Click on the links to hear a compilation demo for each group.
the mick foster quartet
Mick is joined by Dominic Ashworth (guitar), Tom Farmer (bass) and Tristan Mailliot (drums). The band play a diverse repertoire of melodic original compositions and well known jazz pieces. Click on the links to listen to the band; the first is a selection of original compositions recorded live at The Vortex, London. The recent album ‘Live at The Vortex’ (2020) was recorded at this gig. The second showcases the 2012 album Four Views, which features a set of jazz standards.
“ 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.”
Brian Robinson, Jazz Journal ****
the Mick foster sEXTET - celebrating gerry mulligan
The core repertoire of this group is the music of the Gerry Mulligan Sextet. These pieces carefully balance jazz solos with tight ensemble sections and New Orleans inspired collective improvisation. The frontline comprises Shanti Jayasinha or Laura Jurd (trumpet), Robert Fowler (tenor), Adrian Fry (trombone) and Mick (baritone), joined by Dave Chamberlain (bass) and Tristan Mailliot (drums). Other arrangements and compositions are provided by Adrian Fry and Mick. Click on the link to listen to a selection recorded live at Folkestone Jazz Club.
“…a very nicely constructed evening, varying in speed and intent. Mick's rapport with the audience was excellent. But the key to this excellent gig was the horn chorus [...] Each of the four horns are improvising away and the sound makes you grin. [...] They had a great time on stage. We had a great time in the audience.”
David Lyons, Fleece Jazz
Sax A Plenty
Celebrating the West Coast sound, this group features three saxophones, bass and drums. Alan Barnes (alto sax), Robert Fowler (tenor sax) and Mick (baritone sax), are joined by Dave Chamberlain (bass) and Tristan Mailliot (drums).
Included within the core repertoire of the band are the 1950s quintet arrangements and compositions of alto saxist / composer / arranger Lennie Niehaus. Transcribed by Mick, these charts swing with lightness and buoyancy and beautifully display the craft, talent and wit of Niehaus’ work. Other pieces are written by Adrian Fry, Robert Fowler and Mick. Click on the link to listen to a selection recorded live at Folkestone Jazz Club.
“The Quintet was classic West Coast pianoless as per Niehaus & Mulligan and these guys produced the goods [...] We can't wait to get them back. Great evening - great standing ovation and great appreciation by all concerned.”
Derick Woodland, Folkestone Jazz Club
mick foster / yeu-meng chan duo
Mick and Yeu-Meng play saxophone and piano music taken from the classical saxophone repertoire as well as new compositions by composers such as Issie Barratt, Ken Paige and Mick. They have performed in concert halls, music clubs and churches both in the UK and in the Far East.
"Mick Foster and pianist Yeu-Meng Chan draw together a diverse and yet coherent selection of pieces, and tackle them with great individuality and panache [...] Highly recommended."
Amazon Review