Originally released in 1963, Ready and Willing showcases pianist Herman Foster in a classic trio setting with bassist Herman Wright and drummer Bruno Carr. Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studios in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the album moves effortlessly through hard-swinging originals, blues, ballads, and standards, highlighting Foster’s powerful block-chord technique, lyrical touch, and deep rhythmic feel.
Long unavailable in the modern marketplace, Ready and Willing returns in this newly remastered edition with all 10 original tracks restored for today’s jazz audience. A strong document of Foster’s early career and a rewarding rediscovery for collectors, jazz historians, and new listeners alike.
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1. Ready and Willing (Herman Foster) (3:03)
2. My Ship (Kurt Weill, Ira Gershwin) (3:36)
3. The Night We Called It a Day (Tom Adair/Matt Dennis) (4:09)
4. Blue-Ese (Herman Wright) (3:27)
5. Namely You (Johnny Mercer/Gene de Paul)(4:45)
6. Our Day Will Come (Bob Hilliard/Mort Garson)(4:29)
7. You’ve Changed (Bill Carey/Carl Fischer) (2:54)
8. Someday My Prince Will Come (Frank E. Churchill/Larry Morey) (3:30)
9. Popcorn (Herman Wright) (2:46)
10. How About You (Burton Lane/Ralph Freed )(4:28)
Herman Foster — piano
Herman Wright — bass
Bruno Carr — drums
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Recorded in New York, October 3, 1963 at Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Supervision: Esmond Edwards
Cover photo: Benito Robles
Cover design: Don Bronstein
Liner notes: Ernest F. Dyson
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