Embassy Events
Jazz Drummer Al Foster and His Quartet Bring American Style to Bratislava’s PKO
April 1, 2009
Renowned American musician, drummer Al Foster, and his quartet members -- Eli Degibri, saxophone; Xavier Davis, piano; Doug Weiss, doublebass -- performed at the PKO concert hall of the Bratislava Cultural Center on March 30. The Embassy supported this performance and Consular Officer Simon Hankinson greeted the guests, inviting them to the stage. As he said, “Though jazz is a truly American style of music, it is played in clubs all over the world. The American Embassy is always pleased to support such great musicians as Al Foster and his quartet. And April is celebrated in the US as a Jazz Appreciation Month!” Al Foster was known as Miles Davis' drummer for much of the '70s and '80s, and as a well-regarded sideman for jazz giants including Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. He is respected and admired for his keen sensitivity, unique ability to listen to and play off others in an almost telepathic way, responding to them with a style that is both charismatic and understated. Foster is a great believer in the purity of the music, a genuine artist who continues to push the boundaries of creativity again and again.