Jodi on Trumpet - with Jean Toussaint Band photography by Mike Harris
Hidden Rooms, “the Home of Modern Jazz ‘as David Gower the front-of house impresario announced, was honoured to kick off the Jazz festival with a gorgeous gig for one of Jazz’s revered masters, Jean Toussaint. “Sold Out’ said the post on the firmly closed door- and they weren’t kidding. The jazzy underground cellar with the super bar was packed. All tickets gone. Was there an air of reverence in the room?
Joti and Jean - picture by Mike Harris
Jean Toussaint grew up in St. Thomas in the Antilles (Note the St. Thomas riff in his super sax sessions!) His album Songs for Sisters, Brothers & Others show on the cover as an adorable line up of six children all in white socks and Sunday best. Each track is dedicated to one of them, whilst the lovely-looking mother and be-suited look-alike -Jean father shares track 6 with Uncle Willliam. The Calypso Jean Toussaint heard – and learned as a youngster, we heard last night . His music is packed with Caribbean riffs and accomplished rhythms and show how well this young musician absorbed his early years.
Jean grew up in New York city., a tough gig at that time. and teamed up with Bill Pierce super saxophonist to form his own group and then elevated to the elite company ofArt Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. As a Grammy- holding winner for his album New York Scene he moved to London, invited to be artist-in-residence at the Guildhall by Lionel Grigson professor of jazz.,
In 2015/16, Toussaint devised a project dedicated to his mentor Blakey. The project was entitled "Roots & Herbs: The Blakey Project" and featured an all-star lineup of British jazz musicians, including Julian Joseph and other superb players and toured throughout 2015 / 2016
Last night we basked in the scope of JT’s musical genres. A great set of players enhanced his stellar tenor sax. Joti on trumpet was a worthy partner in success. Even taller than Jean his breath energy was remarkable. Lovely in melody, he was locked and loaded as DT would say, for a series of super sharp volleys of liquid power. Handsome Josh Vadivello was brilliant on bass, the overlooked essential element in any band .Ben Brown on drums with a range between soft calm and a military tattoo : the experience of hearing the change between quiet accompaniment and ear blasting volume , enlivening to say the least. Emile Hinton on piano is already part of the scene with a début album on sale. I bought it in the hope it was half as good as his duet with bassist Josh – the interlude made for a calm space before the band returned for some favourite numbers and farewell.
Jean Toussaint was a pleasure to meet, mostly concerned with appreciation for his fellow band members – and possessed of a well-honed sense of humour. “He’s only twelve”,he confided of youthful Ben Brown as he joined us.
As I bought the Songs for Sisters Brothers and Others I glimpsed his album dedication” To my brothers and sisters, endless love. I am who I am because of you, and all of your unique personalities are reflected in mine, just as mine is reflected in yours”
Conscious of the presence of Jazz Royalty and agreed with my fellow critic from Leeds Jazz
‘undoubtedly one of the great tenors in recent jazz history’
Josh Vadivaloo on bass
Emile Hinton on piano
Ben Brown on drums
The Jazz Festival began with the brilliant versatile and celebrated Jean Toussaint. What an act to drop the chequered flag on three weeks of music. He represents the apex of saxophone skill . Technique combined with warmth - its a magical mix.
