Jean Toussaint Quintet will be playing new material ahead of the release of his album Songs for Sisters Brothers and Others – a collection of new compositions in tribute to his siblings and people and places important in his life.
On a multi-date UK tour that includes the Bonington (of course!), his band features Freddie Gavita trumpet, Jonathan Gee piano, Mutale Chashi bass and Shane Forbes drums.
Influenced by his African Caribbean heritage and the New York jazz scene where he grew up, Toussaint was inspired early on by “the funk, soul, calypso and reggae bands of [his] youth”. Toussaint went on to form bands, tour, and become a member of the legendary Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers – a jazz combo and rite of passage in the jazz world.
Toussaint played to a near-capacity Bonington audience in December 2018 with music from his album Brother Raymond that gained a 4-star Guardian review, saying he displayed “His own style, fluent and assured, with angular asides to keep you guessing”.
Be at this gig to experience musical insights from his new compositions – sure to be profound given the dedications. Formidable musical creativity from brilliant musicians. Book early – and bring your friends!
“He is one of the great saxophonists. He has a mellow tone, so soulful you feel he could slip into funk or blues at any second.” – London Jazz News
Jean Toussaint – saxophone
Freddie Gavita- trumpet
Jonathan Gee- piano
Mutale Chashi- bass
Shane Forbes – drums
The Bonington
