Mervin Toussaint is an emerging saxophonist and composer making a name for himself as a performer and educator in the Philadelphia area. A Haitian American, Toussaint grew up in the church; it’s from there that his foundational musical influences derive. However, Toussaint is also steeped in the jazz tradition. He’s led gigs at area hot spots like Chris’ Jazz Café and South Jazz Kitchen and has worked as a sideman for Philly jazz greats like V. Shayne Frederick and Odean Pope. He’s also accompanied rappers, poets, and spoken word artists and incorporate those art forms into his original compositions.