Toots is back in Brussels. Or at least his memory is. And right in the heart of Brussels, no less. Just steps away from the Grand Place. A new jazz club opened at 6 Hatmakers Street. The name says it all: Toots Jazz Club. Need I mention it's the nickname of our most internationally renowned jazzman? There used to be quite a few jazz clubs in the city, even one on the Grand Place itself back in the day. And yes, nearby there's still the Music Village, even the Archiduc isn't far away, and on Louvain Road there's Jazz Station. Now the die-hard fans here are hoping to run a thriving jazz venue once again. Thanks to the ULB for that. Here's how it works: Joachim Caffonnette, a jazz pianist himself, had a club in Ixelles but had to leave, searched and found something new. Granted, it's a property owned by the ULB who plans to renovate it soon, but for now they've rented it to this incorrigible jazz fan and organizer.
And it was in this cozy brown café that the club—sold out—opened with a concert. The crowd? Young, old, and really old... but no problem since Toots himself would be 103 now. Unfortunately, Toots couldn't bring his Huguette due to health reasons. It was pianist Nathalie Loriers who, together with saxophonist Fabrice Alleman and bassist Sam Gerstmans, had the honor of christening the brand new Toots Jazz Club to be played.
With such a small trio, you hear beautifully and powerfully how melody floats on simple jazz piano chords, allowing the pianist to break free into lyrical solo play and then invite the brilliant soprano saxophonist Fabrice Alleman with a nod to join in. All of this supported by a swinging walking bass from the tireless Sam Gerstmans. Just the day before, he had been playing with equal passion alongside the equally passionate Les Violons de Bruxelles led by Tcha Limberger on stage at Le Senghor. A concert organized by Les Lundis d'Hortense, another fixture in Brussels jazz circles. Pianist, teacher and composer Loriers brought a number of her own compositions and also paid homage to Lee Konitz, one of her heroes whose subtle playing continues to resonate in her own. The set was an excellent warm-up for the coming days of the Brussels Jazz Weekend. walking bass Hoedenmakersstraat 6, Brussel
