Leon Foster Thomas - Metamorphosis album "Pre-release"

Leon Foster Thomas is a unique force in modern jazz. All About Jazz has labeled him as “the next big thing on his instrument” (Dana Bilawsky). Examiner.com asserts that “his gift is an ability to bring forth any style with abandon, and play his steel pan as if it belonged in jazz all along…there are times when Leon Foster Thomas plays his steel pan like Gary Burton vibes” (Carol Bank Weber). The New York Amsterdan News has described his playing “riveting, his artistry as unrivaled and his stage personality as dominant” (Misani). Winner of the World Steelband Music Festival’s Soloist and Duet competitions in 2002 and 2004, Foster, as he is also called, has worked with artist such as: Hugh Masekela, Melton Mustafa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Kevin Mahogany, James Moody, Abraham Laboriel, Sammy Figueroa, Igor and Oleg Butman, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville and many others. His latest release, Brand New Mischief, highlights his penchant for lyricism, his creativity as a composer and has been receiving rave reviews all around. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Leon holds a Master in Music degree from Florida International University and Bachelor’s of Music degree from Florida Memorial University.   Recommended for ages 13 & up. - See more at: http://smdcac.org/events/leon-foster-thomas#sthash.3tO6XXWH.dpuf