Well, if nothing else, this records answers the question “when does a harmonica player lose his chops?” Judging from this collection of songs from various tours, we now know that it’s sometime AFTER 90 years old, as mega-veteran harmonica player Toots Thielman still sounds fantastic as he rounds the corner on his century on this planet. Teamed up with his working band of Karel Boehlee/p-synth, Hein Van de Geyn/b and Hans van Oosterhout/dr, Toots caresses material associated with Bill Evans such as “Sno’ Peas” and Dave Brubecks on “In Your Own Sweet Way.” As with most lions in their sunset, Ben Webster comes to mind, the roar does get a little slower, but with the compensation of it being richer and thicker, as demonstrated in the pair of bossa numbers like “One Note Samba” and “Wave.” The accompanying DVD is a treat as well, but the music is the thing here, and there’s plenty good there.
Challenge Records