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Jazz Trailblazer Leon Foster Thomas

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Jazz Trailblazer Leon Foster Thomas

Introduction to Leon Foster Thomas. 1:15 min. Interview: Raymond Elman.  Post-Production: Lee Skye.  Recorded via ZOOM  1/25/2023, Trinidad.

LEON FOSTER THOMAS is an international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

Thomas’ deft and ambitious command of the steel pan has transcended beyond the instrument’s novel stereotype to being featured at world stages such as New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts (Miami), Moscow International House of Music, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Perm International Jazz Festival (Russia), Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, International Festival of Contemporary Culture (Kazakhstan), and Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. He has also worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker, John Daversa, Sammy Figueroa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Ky-Mani Marley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Igor Butman, John Beasley, and many more.

Thomas has a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Music degree at Florida International University. He continues to perform at festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting lectures and master classes at various educational and cultural institutions.

The videos below were recorded via Zoom, are organized by Success Factor, and run between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.

 

 

Leon Foster Thomas Performing in Miami: 3:50 min.

Leon Foster Thomas solo from “Fancy Sailor.” Composed by Clive “Zanda” Alexander. Performance at the South Florida Center for Percussive Arts Performance Series 2021/2022.

 

SERENDIPITY: 0:37 sec.

Where did you grow up and what’s your earliest memory of art of any discipline?

 

EXPOSURE TO BROAD INFLUENCES:  1:19 min.

How old were you when you started playing steel pans?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:  2:12 min.

Talk about your evolution from Caribbean music to the world of jazz.

 

DEVELOP A VOICE: 2:25 min.

Tell us about some of the bands you performed with.

 

DEVELOP A VOICE:  1:17 min.

How did moving from Trinidad to the United States impact your music?

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:   3:39 min.

What was it like for you to perform in Russia?

 

COMMUNITY VALUES:   2:47 min.

Is attending a jazz concert in Putin’s Russia like a form of rebellion or protest for the audience?

 

SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES:   3:11 min.

What countries have you enjoyed performing in the most?

 

STRONG DRIVE FOR ACHIEVEMENT:  3:51 min.

You have accomplished a lot in your forty-one years.

 

VALUES FIRST-RATE EDUCATION:   3:32 min.

When did you start living in Great Britain?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   0:54 sec.

Have you ever met jazz vibraphone icon Gary Burton?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   0:36 sec.

Did you have a chance to watch our ArtSpeak video conversation with Gary Burton?

 

EXPOSURE TO BROAD INFLUENCES:   2:41 min.

Do you know the jazz musician Etienne Charles? We published an ArtSpeak video conversation with him.

 

UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS OF ART:   5:03 min.

What are your thoughts about the Miami music scene?

 

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:   2:04 min.

What’s your favorite movie?

 

EMPATHY:   3:07 min.

I am glad you are writing music about the immigrant experience.

 

CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND:   1:47 min.

Do you think you will continue to live in the UK after you have earned your PhD?