Leon Foster Thomas is a unique force in the contemporary jazz scene, specializing in playing the steel pan, for which he’s been described as “the next big thing on his instrument” by All About Jazz. Originally from Trinidad, the Miami-based musician is also a songwriter, drummer, and arranger. He has played in award-winning bands and with top musicians, including James Moody, Sammy Figueroa, Igor and Oleg Butman, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Kevin Mahogany, and many others.

Foster is also a 2-time winner of the World Steelband Music Festival’s Soloist and Duet competitions. Also an educator, he holds a Masters degree in music from Florida International University and a BA in Music from Florida Memorial University.

Having two well-received solo albums under his belt, his latest release, Metamorphosis, displays his talents as a musical storyteller and illustrates his transformative journey. All About Jazz describes his rhythm section as “buoyant, colorful and stylistically flexible backing”.

THE QUINTET FEATURES: LEON FOSTER THOMAS, steel pan MARTIN BEJERANO, piano KENNETH JIMENEZ, bass HARVEL NAKUNDI, drums DAVID LEON, tenor sax AND SPECIAL GUEST JEAN CAZE, trumpet

“The [Steel Pan Percussionist] has taken the instrument most associated with his homeland of Trinidad, right into the heart of jazz composition and performance, in a bold rhythmic and melodic encounter.” -All About Jazz