Al Foster
b. Aloysius Foster, 18 January 1944, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Given a drum kit when he was 10, Foster began playing around New York at 16, and was first recorded in 1964 (with Blue Mitchell). It was during his long residency at the Cellar Club, with the Earl May Quartet, that he was noticed by Miles Davis, resulting in three years and a worldwide tour with the Davis group (1972-75). He rejoined Davis for his comeback in 1980, staying with him for five years and recording. This highly versatile and respected drummer has also led several groups, including those with Steve Kuhn and Joe Henderson, and played in Quest with David Liebman.