For more than a decade, the legendary drummer Al Foster had regularly convened an all-star band to celebrate his birthday on stage at Smoke Jazz Club. Honoring Foster’s 82nd trip around the sun, 2025's annual Smoke festivities were particularly special. The band that gathered to both honor and inspire the master drummer featured an incomparable line-up; powerhouse tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, acclaimed pianist Brad Mehldau and impeccable bassist Joe Martin. The band's interplay was luminous as they grooved before a packed house of music lovers, family, and friends. Sadly, Foster passed away on May 28, 2025, before the music could be released.