LEON FOSTER THOMAS

Brand New Mischief

2012-08-10

Thomas is a steel pan virtuoso from Trinidad who now makes Miami his home. He's played everyone from world music greats such as trumpeter Hugh Masekela to American icons such as Dolly Parton. This set of jazz instrumentals show his range from calypso ("Baby Powder") to soft jazz "Annecy") to more avant garde ("Sleepless Nights"). It is cool to hear the steel pans in the forefront; typically, they are background dressing, but not so on this record. The opener, "Soul Window," is a very nice piece; the title track's excellent as well. Who's gonna play steel pan other than WYCE? 08/12 Michael J.

Quick Links:

• His homepage
• "Foster" plays the song "Annecy"