IT has become an international jazz mecca and its name is very much rooted in that musical genre.

Eastleigh’s Concorde Club was named after a record released in the mid-1950s by the much acclaimed Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ).

The album called Concorde was recorded in New York on July 2, 1955. Two years later Concorde boss Cole Mathieson opened his club from the backroom of Southampton’s former Bassett Hotel.

Now it is about to celebrate the album which gave the club its name with a special jazz gig on March 25.

The Concorde, which in the 1970s moved to Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, is believed to be the world’s longest running jazz club under the same ownership.

It has been the stage for bands and musicians who have gone on to become household names such as Manfred Mann, The Cream, Rod Stewart and Elton John.

While the club has widened its entertainment appeal over the years it has never forgotten its jazz roots.

Today top jazz musicians from both sides of the Big Pond are still regular headliners.

Recalling the earlier days, Cole said: “The Bassett was picked out as an ideal location by guitarist John Fanner who was heavily into the music of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

“They released a record in the mid-1950s called Concorde inspired by the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It seemed an ideal name for our club.

“I am proud to say we thought of the name years ahead of the launch of the supersonic Concorde.”

Now top jazz musicians will be saluting the album with the Concorde title and paying homage to one of the most acclaimed UK jazz ensembles of all time.

The MJQ celebration line-up includes special guest and a club favourite Alan Barnes, a British Jazz Musician Award winner.

Alan plays clarinet as well as alto and baritone saxophone and has the Freedom of the Concorde.

MJQ was co led by Milt Jackson and John Lewis, who wrote the Concorde tune. John was booked to appear at the club at one time but was taken ill.

Another MJQ member Percy Heath appeared at the club in 2002 with his brothers.

n MJQ Celebration, The Concorde, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh on March 25. Contact: 023 8061 3989 or www.the concordeclub.com.