I still love Belgium
The baron Toots Thielemans
A personal memory
Many decades ago, when I was a little girl, I gave up a leather belt in exchange of a small 45 RPM record featuring Toots Thielemans. My parents never forgave me. I cannot remember one visit to them in Brussels when they would not remind me of my early love for Toots, who was just an harmonica player.
I have been vindicated. Not only did Toots play with the greatest: Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Paul Simon…but he played in some of my preferred movies: from Breakfast at Tiffany's to Bagdad Café.
Quincy Jones said it all: " I can say without hesitation that Toots is one of the greatest musicians of our time. On his instrument he ranks with the best that jazz has ever produced. He goes for the heart and makes you cry.”