Transcript for the Piece Audio version of NEA Jazz Master Toots Thielemans on Composing "Bluesette"

TOOTS THIELEMANS_ BLUESETTE

(:90)

NOW A JAZZ MOMENT…

Toots Thielemans: It happened to me. You don’t write a song like Bluesette, That is the nucleus of the song.

IN 1962, NEA JAZZ MASTER TOOTS THIELEMANS COMPOSED HIS BEST-KNOWN COMPOSITION “BLUESETTE”. HE CREDITS THE GREAT FRENCH VIOLINIST STEPHANE GRAPELLI AS HIS INSPIRATION. THE MELODY CAME TO TOOTS AS HE WARMED UP FOR A CONCERT IN HIS DRESSING ROOM, WHICH HE SHARED THAT NIGHT WITH GRAPELLI.

Toots Thielemans: He was my idol all the time of course, but I never had played with him. And here I am with my idol and he was so elegant. “Mon petit Toots!” And then I warm up on the chords of Bluesette. See, there’s always somewhere, somebody to help you, right? Stephane inspiring me.

MUSIC: Bluesette (Xfade to CD version featuring guitar and whistling)
CD: Verve Jazz Masters 59: Toots Thielemans
Verve 314535271-2 (cut 8)

THIS JAZZ MOMENT WITH GUITARIST, WHISTLER, AND HARMONICA VIRTUOSO TOOTS THIELEMANS WAS CREATED BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.