Midnight In Zagreb by Jeff Foster (1992)

Jeff created all the music on Midnight In Zagreb (including bass, drums, strings, pianos, sound effects, etc) in his home studio, utilizing classic, acoustic and electric guitars, plus MIDI-guitar technology and computer-based sequencing. No keyboards were used.

Most of the music on Midnight In Zagreb (also released under its Croatian title, Ponoć u Zagrebu, pronounced “poh-noach uu za-greb-uu”) was either written during a three-month tour of Croatia in 1988, or subsequently inspired by the trip.

Later (after relocating to California in the early 90s) Jeff began recording these compositions just as the first Serbian shells exploded in Slovenia and Croatia. He was very close with a Croatian family at the time, and the Balkan War dug deeply into their lives. Jeff decided to produce a commemorative album dedicated to the brave men, women and children who gave their lives for the liberation of Croatia. The United Nations recognized Croatia as an independent nation in 1992, just as Midnight In Zagreb was being released.

This commemoration is reflected in the original cover art, a black and white image of Povijest Hrvatu (History of the Croats) by the beloved Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.

REVIEWS

“Jeff Foster, as well as being one of the most versatile guitarists around, is an exceptional writer. He uses a combination of acoustic, flamenco and electric instruments (as well as MIDI guitar synthesizers) to create music with fascinating textures and sounds. A great example is his haunting tribute to the freedom fighters of Croatia, Memories of Zagreb.”
~~ Liona Boyd, world-renowned classical guitarist

“Foster’s polished, well-produced album is testimony to just what is possible with a home studio and a great deal of care. Of course, having impeccable chops and a highly evolved compositional sense helps. I relaxed and let Jeff’s considerable skill take over. He can burn remarkably!”
~~ Mark Nelson, MIDI Guitarist Magazine