On Wednesday, Thomas Leleu delivered an exceptional performance at Marni in Brussels, marking the opening of the River Jazz Festival. The concert was a deeply moving and dynamic experience. Playing his tuba—a hefty 10 kilograms of brass that he managed to palce at the forefront to become a leading instrument—Leleu effortlessly showcased its versatility, weaving between jazz, classical, and latin-inspired sounds. His limitless approach, proposes a fusion of genres, a celebration of musical diversity. He paid homage to some of the music that has inspired him, shaping him into the outsider musician passionate about pop and Latin rhythms, word that also gives name to his latest album.
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came with the performance of 'Goodbye Childhood', a song inspired by the disappearance of a girl he met during his childhood, at the time he also found out that he was going to become a father. The song reflects this emotional crossroads in his life, blending feelings of nostalgia, loss, and new beginnings. The combination of delicate emotion and vibrant rhythms captivated the audience, making this a truly unforgettable evening.
Woensdag, 12 maart 2025, Marni (Brussel, BE) | Foto's & tekst: Cristina Vergara