The Glasshouse

Grammy-winning saxophonist Jean Toussaint plays Sage Gateshead this winter.

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 brings his latest project to Sage Gateshead with his new album entitled ‘Jean Toussaint: Songs for Sisters Brothers and others’ reflecting on the turbulent years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Toussaint says “The Pandemic caused me to focus on the fragility of life and the fact that we’re here one moment and gone the next. With that in mind I wanted to pay tribute to my wonderful siblings while they were still around to enjoy it so decided to write a collection of songs for that purpose. I also wanted to take the opportunity to pay tribute to other people and places important to my life.”

“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

Band line up includes:

Jean Toussaint – saxophone
Jonathan Gee- piano
Mutale Chashi- bass
Shane Forbes – drums

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