Wednesday September 21st
Ian Foster $15.
The following was written by Tony Ploughman, chief music-purchaser at Fred’s Records in St. John’s for more than 26 years. In the past, he has been a JUNO, ECMA, and FACTOR juror, and has been quoted on several occasions in BILLBOARD MAGAZINE and interviewed for MELODY MAKER.
IAN FOSTER
When an artist makes enormous progress in the quality of their work from one recording to the next, one is likely to take notice and pay attention. Certainly one ought to and Ian Foster is a prime example of such an accomplishment.
He raised the bar substantially on the follow up to his 2006 debut, “Through The Wires” with “Room In the City” released in 2008. I was immediately struck by his growth as a singer/songwriter/musician displaying genuine promise with his various skills and the quality therein.
Already a proven talent and still in his twenties, Foster’s route as an emerging artist has seen him pass thought the labyrinth and onto a clear trail propelled by his narrative skills.
Imagistic and reflective to the point of examination, Foster is a romantic indeed. But his growth as a writer has birthed degrees of poignancy. His use of metaphor is astute, a ponderous writer whose curiosity produces realizations smattered with whimsy and emotional yearnings. In the face of loss, a significant theme, he is part pensive and part philosophical. Indeed Foster is very perspective, and there is much sober soul-searching upon which his poetic lyrics are unveiled. But when circumstances appear dire, an injection of optimism pours forth. Some songs are like inspired eulogies.
Musically Foster also continues to expand his compositions, his sensibilities and dexterity evident by the use of viola, cello, violin and piano. The simple and lovely third release, “We Begin Here” is a fine example: mostly guitar/piano driven rounded out superbly with delightful cello on four songs, harmonica and a smattering of strings.
Furthermore, a predominantly instrumental album, “Found: Music From The Unmade Film”, released in 2009 enhances his repertoire. Shades of Mark Knopfler’s film compositions come to mind, and generally the work of a young Bruce Cockburn in the early 1970′s permeates his best work to date.
Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne… all great, legendary songwriters started with an idea to express, a story to tell, a song to sing. As the great master, Bob Dylan once said, “an artist is always in a state of becoming.” Ian Foster continues his journey.
Having heard repeatedly Foster’s latest 15 song demo I am truly impressed and look forward to his upcoming album.
For those who appreciate, embrace and applaud artistic quality, commitment, drive, and the fruits of a laborious creative process, Ian Foster is reason to take notice.
Check out more at ianfoster.ca
Ian Foster regularly tours in Canada and abroad. His music is played on radio internationally, from Newfoundland to The Netherlands. He has been a finalist for the International Songwriting Competition and is a multiple MusicNL and ECMA (East Coast Music Award) nominee.
The following was written by Tony Ploughman, chief music-purchaser at Fred’s Records in St. John’s for more than 26 years. In the past, he has been a JUNO, ECMA, and FACTOR juror, and has been quoted on several occasions in BILLBOARD MAGAZINE and interviewed for MELODY MAKER.
IAN FOSTER
When an artist makes enormous progress in the quality of their work from one recording to the next, one is likely to take notice and pay attention. Certainly one ought to and Ian Foster is a prime example of such an accomplishment.
He raised the bar substantially on the follow up to his 2006 debut, “Through The Wires” with “Room In the City” released in 2008. I was immediately struck by his growth as a singer/songwriter/musician displaying genuine promise with his various skills and the quality therein.
Already a proven talent and still in his twenties, Foster’s route as an emerging artist has seen him pass thought the labyrinth and onto a clear trail propelled by his narrative skills.
Imagistic and reflective to the point of examination, Foster is a romantic indeed. But his growth as a writer has birthed degrees of poignancy. His use of metaphor is astute, a ponderous writer whose curiosity produces realizations smattered with whimsy and emotional yearnings. In the face of loss, a significant theme, he is part pensive and part philosophical. Indeed Foster is very perspective, and there is much sober soul-searching upon which his poetic lyrics are unveiled. But when circumstances appear dire, an injection of optimism pours forth. Some songs are like inspired eulogies.
Musically Foster also continues to expand his compositions, his sensibilities and dexterity evident by the use of viola, cello, violin and piano. The simple and lovely third release, “We Begin Here” is a fine example: mostly guitar/piano driven rounded out superbly with delightful cello on four songs, harmonica and a smattering of strings.
Furthermore, a predominantly instrumental album, “Found: Music From The Unmade Film”, released in 2009 enhances his repertoire. Shades of Mark Knopfler’s film compositions come to mind, and generally the work of a young Bruce Cockburn in the early 1970′s permeates his best work to date.
Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne… all great, legendary songwriters started with an idea to express, a story to tell, a song to sing. As the great master, Bob Dylan once said, “an artist is always in a state of becoming.” Ian Foster continues his journey.
Having heard repeatedly Foster’s latest 15 song demo I am truly impressed and look forward to his upcoming album.
For those who appreciate, embrace and applaud artistic quality, commitment, drive, and the fruits of a laborious creative process, Ian Foster is reason to take notice.
Check out more at ianfoster.ca
Ian Foster regularly tours in Canada and abroad. His music is played on radio internationally, from Newfoundland to The Netherlands. He has been a finalist for the International Songwriting Competition and is a multiple MusicNL and ECMA (East Coast Music Award) nominee.
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This fall, Paul’s Hall begins its third year as a privately owned community hall with a focus on music education, production and performance. While the hall has been enjoyed for generations offering only a traditional outhouse for relief during the garden parties, turkey suppers, and hoe – downs, we are frequently asked, “ When are you getting a toilet?” often in anxious tones. An engineer has been engaged, and we plan to move on getting plumbing this year before the Johnny seat gets too cold! But we will need a little help to keep this local community meeting place comfortable and accessible. Some of the CBC Weekend Morning Crew and Halifax’s premier Big Band will be coming to Glen Haven to help us celebrate our two years and raise funds for the project.