Toots Thielemans (1922-2016) is an icon. His warm personality, lack of ego and unifying way of playing music, gave him the unique capability to reach everyone’s heart in an immediate and powerful way. Although the world said goodbye to him in 2016, his influence hasn’t faltered. Ten years later, Between a Smile and a Tear celebrates the life and music of this master of melody with a finger-licking line-up: BJO, Brussels Philharmonic, Grégoire Maret (harmonica), Kenny Werner (arrangements & piano) and Miho Hazama (conductor).
The idea for Between a Smile and a Tear came from American pianist and arranger Kenny Werner. As Toots’ longtime friend and pianist, Werner is granted with a unique understanding of Toots’ music and personality. A lot of pieces he used to play with Toots form the musical heart of this prestigious homage: from Footprints (Wayne Shorter) and The Days of Wine and Roses (Henri Mancini) to Smile (Charlie Chaplin) and Ne me quite pas (Jacques Brel). Toots’ cherished connection to Brazil is featured with compositions such as Começar de Novo (Ivan Lins & Vitor Martins).
This tribute by a multitude of today’s leading voices, will offer the superstar’s fans a trip down memory lane while simultaneously extending a hand to music lovers in general. ‘Toots’ music cannot be categorized within one genre’, explains conductor and Grammy-award nominee Miho Hazama. ‘It unites a lot of minds and emotions. Like a voice that talks to you in a very direct way, regardless of your musical background or taste. The variety of musicians that we’re bringing together for this new project, reflects that philosophy.’
Between a Smile and a Tear is a reference to how Toots described his playing. To suitably approach this famous statement, more than 100 musicians are united on stage, all connected to Toots in their own way. Moreover, Brussels Jazz Orchestra and Brussels Philharmonic are no strangers to each other: in 2012, they shared in the Oscar®-triumph of The Artist (Best Original Score).
Toots Thielemans played a big role in the life of renowned harmonica player Grégoire Maret. He remembers vividly how they met for the first time: ‘I was about 17 and impressed with how humble and warm he was. He didn’t need an ego, it was all about the music. He would take the essence of a melody and really dive into it, searching for little diamonds and then going on stage to share that musical beauty. His music is ageless. It’s still relevant and always will be.’
‘Toots gave talented musicians confidence by inviting them on stage, which he did with BJO. Through his infectious enthusiasm and his presence on stage, he propelled the orchestra to fantastic artistic experiences. It was a great privilege to have known him. Between a Smile and a Tear is our way of celebrating his importance, both as a musician and a human being’, concludes Frank Vaganée, artistic leader of Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
Miho Hazama - conductor
Brussels Jazz Orchestra
Brussels Philharmonic
Grégoire Maret (harmonica)
Kenny Werner (piano & arrangements)
With the support of the Private Foundation Toots Thielemans
Project image Between a Smile and a Tear: © Liselore Baerts
