Jazz @ MOCA Leon Foster Thomas

Jazz @ MOCA Leon Foster Thomas
Having performed for audiences worldwide, Leon Foster Thomas is a unique force in modern jazz. The New York Amsterdam News has described his playing as “riveting, his artistry as unrivaled and his stage personality as dominant.” His virtuosic playing of the Steel Pan has enabled him to connect emotionally with the listener on every level. This World Steelband Music Festival Soloist and Duet Champion of 2002 and 2004, has worked with artists such as: Melton Mustafa, Nathan Davis, James Moody, Richard Smallwood, Hugh Masekela, Kevin Mahogany, Nicole Henry, Abraham Laboriel, Sammy Figueroa, Igor Butman, Len Boogsie Sharpe, Ken Professor Philmore, Ray Holman, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Slinger Francisco Mighty Sparrow, 3 Canal, Etienne Charles, Winston Bailey Mighty Shadow, David Rudder, Richard Bailey, and James Polk, to name a few.

Neville, Slinger Francisco Mighty Sparrow, 3 Canal, A native of the island of Trinidad, Foster, as he is also called, was born in the southern city of San Fernando on August 25th, 1981. He credits his parents, Hillouise Louise and Loderick Rollo Foster, for his musical voice and the pan yards of Trinidad & Tobago for his initial musical training. After graduating from high school in Trinidad, Leon received a scholarship to attend Miami’s only Historically Black College/ University, Florida Memorial University, where he was awarded the Visual and Performing Arts Most Outstanding Student and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree.