Sandy Foster

A cross between Sade & Stevie Nicks, her style is smooth as silk. Sandy’s melodies follow the format of straight ahead jazz, but her lyrics are spiritual and inspirational. You may have to listen to Sandy’s songs several times before you can fully appreciate the complexity and the artistry. The first time listening, you will be captivated by the excellent musicianship of the band and Sandy’s captivating voice. The next time around you are drawn into the lyrics. Keep your eye on Sandy Foster. I think we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future. 
Leander McClain, Founder, Independent Gospel Radio

The songs carry a personal flair…. The originals (for Orangify) have all been written within the last year and were tried, tested and true by the time they put the album together.
K. Peterson, Devon Dispatch 

Foster and the band have already drawn comparisons in some circles to Norah Jones for the eclectic nature of their sound. It draws on folk, blues, Latin and swing, even reggae and hints of country in addition to the loose, jazzy phrasing of Foster’s crystalline, soulful delivery. They’re very capable with standards, too, and Orangify actually starts with a snappy rendition of Route 66.
R. Levesque, Edmonton Journal

“Although several jazz standards are included on both albums, Sandy writes most of her own songs and her commentary between numbers is by turns wildly funny and deeply meaningful. With a voice like warm caramel and a musical style that samples jazz, blues, Latin, ballad and swing, Sandy is definitely in a class of her own.”
J. Willems, Post-Gazette

She’s amazing, says Lisa Waskul, manager of Indigo Books & Music in Edmonton, where Foster + the Paper Bag Band launched their album earlier this year.
J. Jacoby-Smith, Living Light News 

…purplexed, was so well received it earned the band a spot performing as part of JunoFest 2004 and a VIBE nomintion for Jazz/Blues Album of the Year. 
A. Arnold, Spruce Grove Examiner/Stony Plain Reporter


Sandy Foster is a jazz vocalist/songwriter/keyboardist based out of Edmonton, AB, Canada. Featuring a rare blend of soul-drenched eclectic jazz, vintage vocals are woven into warm classics and fresh originals. Releases include: purplexed (Jan 2003) and orangify (August 2004). Both contain originals and standards arranged over a wide swath of styles (swing/blues/Latin/ballads/funk/R&B). Expect seasoned, smooth, sensitive vocals reminiscent of the classics, unexpected arrangements, thought-provoking original compositions, tasteful standards and heartfelt delivery. Surprising and rare, something for everyone. 


RELEASES
purplexed (Jan2003) A collection of 10 originals and 2 standards ranging in style from swing to blues to ballad to Latin. Smooth, sweet and a hit with all. Nominated for Jazz/Blues Album of the Year (VIBE Awards 2004).
orangify (Aug 2004)Warm as sunshine, this energetic assortment of 14 originals and one standard cuts an even wider swath of styles than purplexed. From swing to reggae to blues to ballad to Latin to pop and back again. Consistently clear, smooth vocals, thought provoking lyrics and soul satisfying delivery. 



Sandy Foster, vocalist/keyboardist, seasoned singer/songwriter, gathered a group of friends to record her first CD entitled purplexed which featured 12 tracks that included 9 originals and 2 standards along with a non-traditional arrangement of Amazing Grace (written by Sandy) within jazz/blues/Latin/ballad styles. Upon release of this album in January of 2003, requests were made for this group. Under the name Foster + the Paper Bag Band, Sandy organized and managed a group of musicians, writing or co-writing all originals.

In the spring of 2004, Foster + the Paper Bag Band showcased at Canadian Music Week in TO and performed as part of JUNOFest in Edmonton. purplexed was nominated for the VIBE Awards 2004 Jazz/Blues Album of the Year. 

Due to the high volume of originals written in 2003 and the persistent requests of the fan base, Sandy organized a second CD. Featuring 14 originals (12 by Sandy, 1 co written with Murray Forbes and 1 co written with Mike Berg), orangify (released August 2004 to a sell-out crowd of over 230 guests on the Edmonton Queen Riverboat) cuts an even wider swath of styles and features the same smooth vocals purplexed listeners crave. 

With 2004 doubling the amount of performances, 2005 promises to be even busier. Marooned, comprised of 9 new originals and two classics, will be released in June. This project will be recorded in April within a jazz trio/quartet setting. Dependent on the venue/performance requirements, Sandy may appear as a solo or with added instrumentalists to form duo, three piece or full band.