Search - Toots Thielemans :: East Coast West Coast

Toots is amazing!

Tim Goode | Madison, WI United States | 03/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I only write a review when something comes along that just blows my head off. This album has done so. Mr. Thieleman's playing is stunning, creamy, soulful. The inflection that he can wring from this instrument boggles me. No other instrument can do what he's doing here. Why don't we hear more of this? Beats me. Maybe Toots is the only one who has figured out how. In addition to his playing, the lineup of songs is strong, not a bad one in the bunch. The recording quality is excellent. And the backup musicians are all-star, to wit: Charlie Haden on bass, Peter Erskine on drums, Terrance Blanchard, who does a great job, Ernie Watts on sax, Allen Broadbent on Piano, and one of my favs, Lyle Mays on piano, who does not get out enough (and others not mentioned). I will be dedicating myself to beefing up my collection of Toots for the foreseeable future."

TooTs Thielemans Does It Again!!!

peter krampert | eharmonica.net | 12/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Toots Thielemans has been the absolute undisputed master of the Jazz harmonica since the 1950's. The harmonica, normally shunned by mainstream music fans, becomes an instrument capable of tremendous power and beauty in the hands of Toots. This CD is an excellent example of why critics can look past their prejudices towards the instrument when they listen to Toots.This album is half East Coast Jazz and half West Coast. one half is rawer, more be-bop, the other half is cooler, more subtle. If I were to be asked to give examples of either style, I would use this outstanding recording as a primer. Toots has lined up a great group of musicians to play with and the songs are well arranged and executed.I definitely recommend that you add this album to your collection."