Top jazz name to play in Hastings

The group is made up of soprano/tenor sax Jean Toussaint with Joan Donaldson on piano, Simon Thorpe on bass, and Spike Wells on drums.

Toussaint was a member of the Jazz Messengers, the legendary ensemble led by the great Art Blakey.

He joined in 1982 and toured and recorded with the band for four years alongside other top musicians playing major gigs around the world. Toussaint led 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 etc.

Toussaint left the group in the mid-80’s and moved to the UK, building on his experience to become one of the most highly regarded players in the land. He is a well-respected educator, teaching at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and occasionally the Royal Academy of Music. Doors open 7:45pm for 8:30pm start. Disabled access. Tickets £8. For further information contact 01424 250221 or go to www.jazzhastings.co.uk