The great harmonica player shows that he was equally skilled on guitar and whistling
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Toots Thielemans was jazz’s greatest harmonica player, able to play bebop, blues, ballads, and Brazilian music with remarkable facility.
However his harmonica playing sometimes overshadowed the fact that Toots was also a very good guitarist and a skilled whistler.
At a New Year’s Eve telecast from 1986, Thielemans is featured with pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Mickey Roker.
Toots Thielemans briefly plays “Líl Darlin’” on guitar with the quartet, pays tribute to Charlie Parker, and then launches into his greatest hit “Bluesette,” whistling along with his guitar in classic fashion.
-Scott Yanow
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