THE SHAPE OF JAZZ TO COME PRESENTS: LEON FOSTER-THOMAS QUARTET

The Shape of Jazz to Come is delighted to present the Leon Foster-Thomas Quartet. LFT is the winner of the World Steelband Music Festival’s Soloist and Duet competitions in 2002 and 2004, critics laud him as “the next big thing on his instrument”, “…an enthralling improvisor…” All About Jazz; “…masterful with impeccable musicianship” – When Steel Talks. Tonight he performs for the first time at the Vortex with his London quartet as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Leon’s deft and ambitious command of the steel pan has transcended the instrument’s novel stereotype to be featured at world stages such as New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts (Miami), Moscow International House of Music, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Perm International Jazz Festival (Russia), Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, and International Festival of Contemporary Culture (Kazakhstan). Foster-Thomas has also worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker, John Daversa, Sammy Figueroa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Ky-Mani Marley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Igor Butman, John Beasley, and many more.

With two critically-acclaimed solo albums under his belt, his latest release, Metamorphosis, (Ropeadope Records), exemplifies his growth and maturation as a musician. Honing his in-depth talents as a musical storyteller.

Performing for the first time at the Vortex Jazz Club with his London quartet as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.