Song:Mystic Brew
Album:The Two Headed Freap
Organist Ronnie Foster recorded a few albums for Blue Note in the 70s. But he's primarily known as a sideman especially for George Benson and as a producer. His 70s music was jazz soul and he is frequently sampled by hip hop guys. He was born May 13, 1950 in Buffalo. He learned to play classical piano as a child. But he listened to Jimmy Smith and Larry Young and started to play organ as a teen. Foster moved to New York City and began work as a sideman. When he appeared on a Grant Green live album, Foster was offered a contract with Blue Note. The Two Headed Freap was his debut album in 1972. Though Foster was never a critical favourite, his brand of jazz soul has been very durable and is a favourite of hip hop guys. Musicians on The Two Headed Freap are George Devens on vibes, Gene Bertoncini on guitar, George Duvivier on bass, Jimmy Johnson on drums and Arthur Jenkins on conga. Mystic Brew has been sampled by A Tribe Called Quest and other hip hop guys. At the same time, Foster was in George Benson's band and played on the best selling album Breezin'. After recording five albums for Blue Note and two for Columbia, Foster returned to the background and he's still doing that today. He produced albums by the Brazilian singer Djavan and guitar legend Chet Atkins. And he still works as a sideman. He must be very happy to open his mail and get those royalty cheques when hip hop guys sample his music. Here's a video for Mystic Brew by Ronnie Foster.
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