Frank Foster, among the last remaining relics from a veritable golden era of jazz, has died at the age of 82.
The Village Voice reports that Foster, a saxophonist, flautist and composer, died at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia.
A tenor and soprano sax player, Foster is arguably best known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra, which he joined in 1953 after a stint in the army. He left the orchestra in 1970 to become a bandleader himself, and also had a successful career in music education, working in schools. He did return to the Count Basie Orchestra in the 80s after Basie’s death, and won Grammys with them.
Since suffering a stroke in 2001, his musical output had been restricted.
Here is Foster in an appearance from 1960 with Basie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LtcT5tmHr0
