D. A. FOSTER
THE REAL THING
SHABOO/VIZZTONE RECORDS VTSH 001
GOOD MAN BAD THING–THE REAL THING–WE ALL FALL DOWN–AIN’T DOING TOO BAD–THIS TIME I’M GONE FOR GOOD–SUPER LOVER–I NEED A GOOD WOMAN BAD–SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE–YOU CAN’T JUST SMILE IT AWAY–LIE TO ME–GEE BABY AIN’T I GOOD TO YOU–DOWN HOME BLUES
As a young man, D. A. Foster was the hands-on, co-owner of the legendary Connecticut roadhouse The Shaboo Inn. From 1971-1982, D. A. booked not only rock acts such as Journey and Aerosmith, but every blues legend one can name. Many of the blues players realized that D. A. had a natural singing talent, and encouraged and mentored him to realize this talent. He has just released his debut album for Vizztone, “The Real Thing.” He tackles twelve vintage-styled slabs of blues and R & B and shows a surprisingly-keen ear for this timeless music.
Joining D. A. on this set are the venerable Mike Finnigan on keys, Tony Braunagel on drums, Larry Fulcher on bass, and Johnny Lee Schell on guitar, as well as a stellar horn section. These guys complement D. A. perfectly, capturing his many moods throughout these cuts. There is the smoldering, smooth soul of “This Time I’m Gone For Good,” “I Need A Good Woman Bad,” and “We All Fall Down.” all of which are perfect for those late-night rendezvous.
He can party with the best of ’em, too, as evidenced by the high-octane funk of “Super Lover,” letting us know he brings a “mighty love just like King Kong” to the table! He shows a more traditional side with the honky-tonk-piano-driven title cut, as well as “Smack Dab In The Middle,” and the set-closing “Down Home Blues.”
D. A. Foster is sho’ nuff “The Real Thing,” with thirty-five-plus years as a bandleader. This set serves as a fine introduction to his talents, and we look forward to hearing more from him in the future!! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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