Smokey Joe's Jazz Club - JEAN TOUSSAINT with the Alex Steele Trio

We are delighted to welcome the legendary Grammy-award winning American tenor and soprano saxophonist, Jean Toussaint, to Smokey Joes Jazz Club.Originally from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Jean Toussaint left Berklee College of Music, Boston, in 1982 to join Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers.

It was the beginning of an inspired five years spent with musicians including Terence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller and others.

While in New York, Jean also worked with Gil Evans, McCoy Tyner and Wynton Marsalis.

An incredible beginning to an amazing career which has continued to grow and establish Jean as a renowned international jazz artist.Jean moved to London in the late 1980s, where he established himself on the European scene, leading his own bands, releasing a host of albums, collaborating with Bheki Mseleku, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Courtney Pine, Cleveland Watkiss and many others.

He has continued to tour with US artists, including Cedar Walton, Donald Brown, Eddie Henderson and Jeff Tain Watts.Joining Jean tonight, we have the awesome house band, with the barefoot energy, flying socks and passion of Alex Steele on piano; the insuperable groove merchant, Mike Buddy Cypher on drums; and the beautifully melodic, lyrical, eloquent and effervescent, Mike Moyk Green on double bass.

Word has it too that there may be a special guest in the house tonight, the incredible Paris-based pianist, Cheltenhams own, Tommy Scott.

Its a surprise, so dont tell Jean!Its going to be a night of unbridled jazz beauty and innovation!Come to Smokey Joes on Thursday 15th October, as we welcome one of our biggest jazz legends yet to Cheltenham town and the awesome Smokey Joes Jazz Club.

Were looking forward to seeing you there!