Jazz Harmonica

[Lat-Literal]

Is Toots Thielemans:

(a) the greatest jazz harmonica player
(b) the greatest jazz chromatic harmonica player
(c) neither of the above?

Toots Thielemans - Verve Jazz Masters 59 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqiVeFF9yyc

[Lat-Literal]

Diatonic:

Howard Levy - Amazing Grace - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EggMezlS04

[Ian Thumwood]

I saw Thielemans as a guest in duo between Dave Leibman and Kenny Werner in 2001 and his music seemed a bit quaint in the context of those two, more contemporary players, even though they both admire the Belgian. I am not too enthused by the instrument but the Swiss Gregoire Maret pushed the instrument a bit futher. I heard him in an edition of a Pat Metheny Group and felt that this worked much better.

I think the harmony really works far better in a Blues context. I love this track which blends the archaic with Bobby McFerrin:-

[MrGongGong]

Svang

[Lat-Literal]

I saw Thielemans as a guest in duo between Dave Leibman and Kenny Werner in 2001 and his music seemed a bit quaint in the context of those two, more contemporary players, even though they both admire the Belgian. I am not too enthused by the instrument but the Swiss Gregoire Maret pushed the instrument a bit futher. I heard him in an edition of a Pat Metheny Group and felt that this worked much better.

I think the harmony really works far better in a Blues context. I love this track which blends the archaic with Bobby McFerrin:-

Yes- like that clip a lot.

Have now located Gregoire Maret and think this is very, very good:

Gregoire Maret - Crepuscule - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYxoIeLKXU4

Svang

Found them!

Good fun - if a bit jaunty.

Thanks!

Svang - Svang Time Rag - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3QBADkqT08