Frank Foster/Loud Minority Band
Well Water
Piadrum Records

OK, how many reasons do you want to get this release of previously lost material from 1977? How about reason #1 being that Elvin Jones is the drummer that drives this 20 member big band through some creatively hard swinging charts. Co-Lead by Elvin Jones and tenorist Frank Foster (who wanted to do something besides recreate the Basie sound) this undiscovered diamond in the rough features some Coltrane-influenced charts that will please fans of both Trane and The Count. Hard driving swingers like "Joy Spring" and "Someone's Rocking My Jazz Boat" feature some clever section work that is reminiscent of Coltrane's landmark "African/Brass" sessions. Foster, switching between soprano and tenor, is stunningly modern during his solos work, particularly on the sole quintet piece "Three Card Molly". Altoist CI Williams is featured on some gorgeous alto sax work on the ballad "There'll Be A Time." Elvin Jones on drums is simply wondrous. After all, he did sit in with Ellington once in awhile. His touch is picture perfect for this band. It's incredible to conceive that this music was lost in someone's home for 30 years. This is definitely one of the discoveries of the new year. Grab it and give your ears a feast!

-George W. Harris