JEAN TOUSSAINT AT HIDDEN ROOMS CAMBRIDGE MODERN JAZZ
Jean Toussaint
Jean Toussaint and his quartet wowed a packed sell-out audience at the magical Hidden Rooms last night. So lucky to have such a prestigious jazz great in the charming person of Jean Toussaint . In 1982 this charismatic Caribbean found a place in the famous Jazz Messengers run by legendary Art Blakey. Now based in New York these young men found themselves in an enviable position as the band travelled the world playing all the major festivals, clubs and concert halls. While residing in New York and when not on the road with the messengers Toussaint, regularly led the jam sessions at the famous Blue Note Jazz club and, would visit other New York clubs sitting in with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Elvin Jones, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard- to mention Wayne Shorter Horace Silva and the stellar Keith Jarrett. Quite a training. Now with his home firmly in Britain, Jean consorts with the most illustrious of the English jazzers Bheki Mseleku, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Cleveland Watkiss and others. Toussaint is also often invited to join tours with US musicians visiting Europe and most recently was on tour with pianist Cedar Walton and Donald Brown, trumpeter Eddie Henderson and an extensive tour of Europe, the Middle East and New York.
In his turn Jean Toussaint has his own version of Jazz Messengers - as the name suggests they seek to spread the word of Jazz around the world. Last night’s lineup featured such a talented pianist in the person of Emile Hinton , the audience were in thrall to his super melodic sounds. He is apparently not yet out of the Conservatoire in Birmingham,As someone remarked , ‘If he isn’t on Radio 3 Young Artists list next year I will be amazed.’ Josh Vadiveloo on d.bass was wonderful and surely not a day over 21, whilst Ben Brown on drums is a permanent inspired crazy energy packed machine of daring noise. We all loved the classics, These Foolish Things had me in a trance of delight but also loved the compositions of Jean Toussaint himself dedicated to his family , and very much adored Emile Hinton’s vibrant creative piece which blew the calm in the best possible way.
Well done Cambridge Modern Jazz . It’s fabulous, last night was just like the vibe in the Parisian Jazz Cellar on Rue St. Benoit, Chez Papa ( if you’re in the city make a note) .
The Quartet
