Billy Foster

Billy Foster is a respected pianist, composer, educator and producer. He has performed as a professional musician for the past 35 years and in addition to performing across the U.S. with others, has led his own groups much of that time. Mr. Foster has written and produced recordings with both "Billy Foster and Audio" and the "Billy Foster Trio". He is a featured soloist on two of guitarist Henry Johnson's CDs on MCA Records and can be heard on recordings by the Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio. His latest work as a recording artist can be heard on the CD, "Portrait" by the Billy Foster Trio. Mr. Foster has also written and produced music for several television commercialsAS AN EDUCATOR, Billy Foster recently retired from 35 years as a public school music teacher in Gary, In. He has served as jazz piano instructor at Valparaiso University since 1979. In this capacity he has conducted many jazz clinics, lectures and educational performances. In addition he served on the Indiana Arts Commission Advisory Panel for 3 years. Mr. Foster recieved a B.S. from Defiance College and an M.M. from Roosevelt University with addtional study at New York University.Over the years Mr. Foster has played concerts with such luminaries as Art Farmer, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Ernie Watts, George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Red Rodney, Tom Harrell, Etta jones, Houston Person and many others. The BILLY FOSTER TRIO plays jazz styles from Ellington to Miles and has worked together for over 25 years playing concerts, clubs and a variety of affairs throughout the U.S. Singer Renee Miles-Foster adds her exciting vocal interpretations to the group.THE BILLY FOSTER JAZZ ZONE - Billy Foster is host of this popular radio program broadcast on WGVE Radio 88.7 Gary, In. each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.The CD "PORTAIT" features the work of Renee Miles-Foster-vocals, Bruce Evans-bass, Lannie Turner-drums. Jeff Brown-drums, Henry Johnson-guitar, Dr. Odies Williams-trumpet, Carl Coan-saxophone and Billy Foster-piano can be found at www.cdbaby.com/cd/billyfoster