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Monday, November 18, 2019

Fostina Dixon’s “The Vertical Alignment Tour” Hits Philly November 23 & December 1

One of the few female jazz instrumentalists to front her own band, Winds of Change, the saxophonist, composer, vocalist and educator’s comeback album in 2016, “Here We Go Again” has garnered complimentary reviews. The single “Vertical Alignment” released the beginning of 2019, made the Smooth Jazz Network Charts multiple weeks. This new CD Vertical Alignment, which features original materials and multiple talented musicians, is making great impressions, getting much praise with musicians, and creating a buzz in the music business. It hits the depth of your soul.

There is no holding back or compromise of interpretation or expression. Fostina’s unique improvisational style shows her experience in playing all genres of music. Her producers Al Turner and Ray Chew add even more flare to these original compositions. After a storied early career that included playing alongside such Jazz greats as Abbey Lincoln, Melba Liston, Frank Foster, James “Blood” Ulmer, Tom Browne, Roy Ayers, and playing in the Gerald Wilson Big Band, touring with Marvin Gaye, and many other experiences too vast to mention, Fostina has made significant contributions to the arts and education scenes. Fostina received a Christi Award for her contributions to promoting the arts in the community, an Outstanding Arts Educator award from the Delaware Board of Education, and an Outstanding Contributor award from the Council of Jazz Advocates for her work as an arts educator, and is the Founder and longtime Executive Director of the Wilmington Youth Jazz Band.

It’s my honor to represent Fostina on this CD. She should take her place among jazz superstars. Love the sax interplay on the two vocals, “Best Is Yet To Come,” and “I’ll Always Remember.” Reminds me of the great jazz legend Grover Washington Jr. —Lloyd Z. Remick Esq.