Al Foster has an infectious groove that’s propelled by his signature ride sound, which he’s drawn from a 22" Paiste Sound Creation Dark ride with rivets throughout much of his recorded career. Foster’s comping is musical and creative; it’s as if he’s a one-man orchestra, with each limb creating different voices around the kit. He also shades and colors music with various textures and rhythmic motifs, and he never gets in the way of a tune while continually rumbling beneath the ground. Sometimes, when the time is right, he’ll burst up from below the surface and react to and encourage soloists’ phrasing. Propelling his bandmates’ ideas with clear intention and intensity, Foster is a true conversationalist and interpreter of jazz.