Scott Foster Combo

Guitarist Scott Foster brings his ever-evolving cast of musicians to Bird & Beckett for his monthly third Friday residency, a tradition he's maintained since 2002. Foster, who serves as Jazz Band Director at Urban School of San Francisco and faculty at Community Music Center, has earned recognition as a Bay Area jazz legend for his deep exploration of the jazz standard tradition, particularly his devotion to the conversational interplay of guitar duos and small combos.

Foster's performances at Bird & Beckett are known for their "freshly conceived combos" that delve into bebop standards and drone-ambient textures, drawing from his diverse musical palette. His reverence for guitar masters like Jim Hall shines through in his interpretations, as evidenced in recent shows where he's channeled the collaborative spirit of Hall's work with Sonny Rollins and Art Farmer. The guitarist's approach emphasizes counterpoint and musical conversation — fitting for a venue that doubles as an independent bookshop in Glen Park.

This monthly series represents one of San Francisco's longest-running neighborhood jazz parties, with Bird & Beckett having missed only a handful of Friday nights since Foster began his residency. The intimate bookshop setting, with its collection of books and records, creates a listening environment where audiences hang on every musical phrase and verbal aside. Recent performances have featured seasoned Bay Area musicians including trumpeter Henry Hung, bassist John Wiitala, and drummer Dan Foltz, with Foster leading the group through multiple Charlie Parker tunes alongside standards and original compositions.

The venue streams all shows live via their Facebook and YouTube channels, though as the venue notes, "nothing beats being in the room with the music & the musicians." The series continues to showcase Foster's ability to bring together top-tier jazz professionals for explorations of the music that bridges traditional jazz with more adventurous sonic territories.