Toots is back in Brussels. Or at least his memory. And even in the heart of Brussels. Close to the Grand Place. A new jazz club opened at Hoedenmakersstraat 6. The name says it all: Toots Jazz Club. Need it be said that it is the nickname of our most internationally renowned jazzman? There used to be quite a few jazz clubs in the city, once even on the "Grand Place" itself. And yes, nearby there is still the Music Village, even the Archiduc is not far away and on Leuvensesteenweg there is that Jazz Station. Now the diehards hope to run a well-functioning jazz venue here again. Thanks to the ULB. Because here's how it went: Joachim Caffonnette, himself a jazz pianist, had a club in Elsene, had to leave, searched and found something new. Admittedly a property of the ULB that wants to renovate the building soon but temporarily rented it to that incorrigible jazz fan and organizer.
And it is in that cosy brown café that the club -sold out- opened with a concert. The audience? Young, old and very old…but no problem because Toots himself would now be 103. Unfortunately, Toots could not 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 to inaugurate the brand new Toots Jazz Club.
With such a small trio you hear beautifully and strongly how melody in simple jazz drifts on piano chords from which the pianist can then escape into a lyrical solo play to then invite that brilliant soprano saxophonist Fabrice Alleman with a nod to join in. All of this supported by a swinging walking bass from an tireless Sam Gerstmans. He was still playing full of fire the day before with the equally enthusiastic Les Violons de Bruxelles of Tcha Limberger on the stage at Le Senghor. A concert organized by Les Lundis d'Hortense, yet another institution in Brussels jazz circles. Pianist, teacher and composer Loriers brought a number of her own compositions and also a tribute to Lee Konitz, one of her heroes whose subtle playing still resonates in hers. The set was an excellent warm-up for the coming days of the Brussels Jazz Weekend.