Frank Foster's Loud Minority Big Band - We Do It Diff'rent (2002)

Frank Foster's Loud Minority Big Band returns with commanding energy and masterful swing on We Do It Diff'rent, a powerful 2002 release that celebrates the enduring strength of big band jazz. Led by legendary saxophonist, arranger, and composer Frank Foster, the album combines hard bop intensity with classic large ensemble sophistication. The performances are sharp, dynamic, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition while still sounding fresh and vibrant. Foster’s arrangements provide space for explosive brass passages, rich saxophone textures, and compelling solo improvisations throughout the program. Tracks such as “Shiny Stockings” and “Stella by Starlight” display elegance and refinement, while originals like “Fos' Alarm” and “Cecilia Is Love” reveal Foster’s exceptional compositional voice. The rhythm section drives the music with authority, supporting a stellar cast of horn players and special guests. We Do It Diff'rent is a superb modern big band recording that honors tradition while delivering bold contemporary energy.

Tracklist
1. G'on an' Git It Y'all (Foster) - 4:34
2. Stella by Starlight (Washington-Young) - 7:39
3. Wild Women Don't Worry (Cox) - 7:03
4. Fos' Alarm (Foster) - 4:46
5. Lover (Hart-Rodgers) - 6:43
6. Shiny Stockings (Foster) - 11:30
7. Where or When (Hart-Rodgers) - 4:12
8. Cecilia Is Love (Foster) - 9:40
9. You Go to My Head (Coots-Gillespie) - 6:27
10. Skull-Doug-Ery (Foster) - 5:16

Personnel
Frank Foster - leader, arranger
Bruce Williams, Joe Ford - alto saxophone
Bill Saxton, Keith Loftis - tenor saxophone
James Stewart - baritone saxophone
Frank Greene, Derrick Gardner, Kenyatta Beasley, Jeremy Pelt, Cecil Bridgewater - trumpet
Vincent Gardner, Clark Gaton, Stafford Hunter - trombone
Bill Lowe - bass trombone, tuba
Daniel Mixon - piano
Earl May - bass
Sylvia Cuenca - drums
with special guests
Jon Faddis - trumpet
Dennis Rowland - vocals