Customer Reviews

Verve Jazz Masters 59

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Toots Thielemans has for over 50 years been redifining the way the world sees the harmonica. From his beginnings working with Benny Goodman, through his work with George Shearing, Quincy Jones, on soundtracks and his own recordings and recordings with other Jazz greats, Toots has shown the world that the harmonica isn't simply the humble musical instrument used by hobos and shoeshine boys.

This collection gives an excellent overview of Toots' amazing career. The earliest recording, from 1953, features Toots with George Shearing and from there it takes us through his many musical faces, from his many recordings with Quincy Jones, through various small groups and orchestras that he has recorded with included his many forays into Latin American Jazz.

the overal result is a complex, yet satisfying collection that will surely delight any Toots Thielemans fan as well as give a wonderful introduction to the uninitiated. If you thought that the harmonica was simply a novelty in the world of Jazz, then this album will certainly give you a great taste of what the harmonica is capable of.

I definitely recommend that you add this masterpiece to your collection.

If you like music, you will love this compilation of classics from this Belgian genius. Toots simply oozes class in this compendium - even if you don't like jazz, you will be converted after listening to such tunes as Flirt and the fantastic Hummin'

I'm a chromatic harmonica fan. Toots Thielemans set the standard for exciting use of this musical instrument for jazz lovers. The chormonica was not his main instrument in his early years as I understand but jazz guitar. You will find him playing guitar on some cuts, chormonica on others cuts, and surprisingly he's even known to just whistle in soloing. A cut or two as I recall have demos of that.
I think some of these recordings are in mono rather than in stereo for those of you who can remember what that is but that only helps establish that he's been around a long time. In short, if you want to hear from a great jazz musician legend who just plain loves his music this is an album for you. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because as I said at the start, I'm a chromonica fan and all the cuts are not Toots playing that instrument. Still, a must have album though.

i love toots, i've just learned to appreciate the harmonica, and it enhance the jazz music.