[Dixielandjazz] Rip Toots

[Norman Vickers]

To:  DJML

From: Norman Vickers, Jazz Pensacola

 

I have just learned that jazz chromatic Harmonicist/ guitarist/whistler Jean “Toots” Thielemans has died at 94.  There are a number of postings on the internet, and, doubtless, there will be more.

 

Pensacola connection:  We had Toots here for  our second Pensacola  JazzFest in 1984.  In the early days, we had a few nationally known jazz artists and then local and regional jazz artists.  That year,  guitarist Chuck Wayne returned—he was our only nationally known star our first year.  And, the third artist was Brazilian/American guitarist Laurindo Almeida.

 

It was my pleasure to work with Toots.  He was kind and gracious.  But, there was never an opportunity  for me to see/hear him in person.  However,  I followed his career closely ever since as he was one of my musical heroes.

 

Another Pensacola connection, Tim Tellier a young man and Pensacola native, met Toots as Tim was being separated from obligated military service.  Tim approached Toots and asked to study with him.  Tim had no previous musical training.  And since Time was young and single, Toots took him on and Tim come live with him and his wife.

Tim, when asked how he was to replay Toots—music lessons, living with the Thielemans and eating at their table—Tim replied, “ Oh I helped around the house, did some shopping for Mrs. ‘T.’”  Tim stayed for about 4 months.  Asked why he left, Tim replied “ Toots had me playing pentatonic scales daily for about  hours.  So, I told his that I needed to leave.”

 

Tim kept in touch with Toots by letter.  And when Toots came to Pensacola, Tim and his parents shared a meal with him. And, as far as I know, the long-term friendship  continued.

 

Thanks to Pensacola drummer/ french hornist/ teacher  Steve Maniscola for forwarding this LA Times obit for Toots.

 

Norman

 

From: Stephen A. Maniscola 
Subject: Rip Toots

 

https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-toots-thielemans-snap-story,amp.html



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ml.islandnet.com/pipermail/dixielandjazz/attachments/20160822/709116aa/attachment.html>