• Jeffrey Foskett: Stars in the Sand, Pop Collective, 2004
For fans of classic pop rock, Jeffrey Foskett (see interview on opposite page) is in an enviable position. He’s worked with a lengthy list of legends, including Paul McCartney, Neil Young, the Everly Brothers, Tom Petty, Elton John and the Moody Blues, to name just a few. He’s received more than 30 gold and platinum records, and has played everywhere from Live Aid to Live 8.
But Foskett is best known for his work with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. He spent more than a decade (1980 – 91) as musical director for the band, and since 1998 he’s been Wilson’s bandleader. In that capacity, he participated in recording sessions for last year’s Smile album. The subsequent tour was voted Show of the Year in Britain’s MOJO Magazine; and the disc itself – a brilliant re-imagining of the never-released 1967 Beach Boys epic – received almost universal raves.
On his own, Foskett has released nine solo CDs, and garnered three top 10 hits in Japan. Stars in the Sand – his first North American release, compiles the best of his catalogue.
The songs are infectious pop, bringing to mind the Beach Boys – no surprise there. ‘Thru My Window’ could easily fit onto any Beach Boys album circa 1968 – 72; in another era, this music would be storming up the charts. Goldmine magazine called the CD ‘a perfect pop album.’ Essentially a one man show, Foskett plays and sings all the parts on the majority of the album, occasionally bringing in collaborators – including Robert Lamb (Chicago), Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Wilson.
The CD booklet includes a quote credited to C.S. Lewis: “The whole of man is to drink joy from the fountain of joy.” That pretty much encapsulates Foskett’s stance. His lyrics address love, loneliness and life in general. There’s a glad-to-be-alive vibe that comes across throughout the entire disc.
© John Cody 2005