Jazz at the Proxy this morning

For many shoppers, strollers, or men/women on the street, jazz music has come to be associated with music from elevators or department stores. Today “Spotify” lists or simple radio programs have taken the place of jazz. Who still hears this buzz that accompanies the crunch of our caddy? Who still thinks this or that piece is cute? After all, who realizes it’s just music? And that there are musicians, artists behind this sound soup? Sam Gerstmans has been challenged by all of this, he who is essentially – but not exclusively – a jazz musician, an artist for whom the presence of an audience is part of the reason why he makes music. So, used to shopping at Delhaize de Braives near where he lives, he comes this Friday morning to garnish, decorate the aisles of the shop with his quartet: saxophone, guitar, drums and Sam on double bass! Supported by the Braives cultural centre, could the initiative be renewed, and why not in other unusual places? To paraphrase the Three Musketeers famous tirade: “If you don’t come to the music, the music will come to you!” Besides, “Jazz at the Proxy” doesn’t sound bad for a jazz club!