Jean Toussaint - The "young Lions" at 606 Club

Jean Toussaint is an incredibly versatile American-born tenor saxophone player who has been an adopted Londoner since the late 80’s. Born in the US territory of the Virgin Islands his formative musical experiences were playing calypso and this Afro-Caribbean influence is still apparent in his upbeat playing style. Jean attended Berklee College of Music in the late 1970’s, developing a blistering technique and lyrical sound that has graced many great bands, from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers through Wynton Marsalis, Gil Evans and the Julian Joseph bands to his own international quartet. A highly respected educator as well as performer, Jean has taught at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College of Music and the Birmingham Conservatory. Tonight, in the tradition of his mentor Art Blakey, he will be bringing to the Club his latest band "Young Lions" which features some of the finest young musicians currently working in the UK; Mark Kavuma-trumpet, Ashley Henry-piano, Daniel Casimir-bass and Femi Koleoso-drums....

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Jean Toussaint is an incredibly versatile American-born tenor saxophone player who has been an adopted Londoner since the late 80’s. Born in the US territory of the Virgin Islands his formative musical experiences were playing calypso and this Afro-Caribbean influence is still apparent in his upbeat playing style. Jean attended Berklee College of Music in the late 1970’s, developing a blistering technique and lyrical sound that has graced many great bands, from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers through Wynton Marsalis, Gil Evans and the Julian Joseph bands to his own international quartet. A highly respected educator as well as performer, Jean has taught at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College of Music and the Birmingham Conservatory. Tonight, in the tradition of his mentor Art Blakey, he will be bringing to the Club his latest band "Young Lions" which features some of the finest young musicians currently working in the UK; Mark Kavuma-trumpet, Ashley Henry-piano, Daniel Casimir-bass and Femi Koleoso-drums.

“Toussaint… brilliance, wit, verve and memorable, elegant, sax lines..." The Times

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