Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Jeffrey Foskett, 1956-2023

 


I first heard Jeffrey Foskett thanks to Bruce Brodeen of Not Lame Records. The shop had been known for a little while as a place to go for all your power pop needs, and Bruce supplied us with what were brilliant discoveries at the time. Bands like Myracle Brah, TubeTop and The Shazam all became faves of the NYCD staff. One CD, a Japanese only release called "Cool & Gone" by Jeffrey Foskett, was loved by everyone. At $40 a pop, it was an investment, but customers could not resist the mellifluous sounds coming though the store's speakers.

Foskett eventually made a name for himself as a member of Brian Wilson's touring band, thanks to his amazing ability to sing harmony, not to mention to his musical chops. He'd release a half dozen more CDs since 1997's "Cool & Gone," but that first impression will remain the best.

Foskett passed away after a long battle with thyroid cancer.

Check out today's cover version, too.




9 comments:

Rodger Stroup said...

Thanks for writing about Jeffrey Foskett. I didn't become aware of him until he was a part of Brian Wilson's band, but his solo records are worth seeking out. A great talent gone too soon.

Shriner said...

I had heard he was not doing well, so this wasn't a surprise, but it's still sad. Great musician with a greater voice.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the heads-up, he was quite a talent and will be missed.

BTW, Not Lame was one of the most important discoveries ever in my musical journey.

Randy

cmealha said...

Beautiful voice and a lot of great music. Very sad to hear of his passing. He's one of those musical soldiers that 99.9% of people don't know about but whose talent is beyond measure although widespread fame didn't find him. So many people out there like him who are just as important to some folks as the superstars that garner all the attention.

Christine said...

Damn, I wish I had known about this talented man with the gorgeous voice.

Craig Dye said...

I first became aware of him witnessing him live with Brian Wilson. What a complete musician.

Michael Giltz said...

You turned me onto Cool and Gone! Plus, it was lovely to see him touring with Brian Wilson and giving that genius the musical and emotional support he needed to flourish again and understand the love for Wilson and the music he created.

FD13NYC said...

Sad to hear, have known and enjoyed his music a long time, he was very good.
He was my age, scary.

Whattawino said...

New to me… am knocked out by the sheer talent and amount of output! Yikes! Thanks, Sal.