NYU Presents Harmonica Legend, Toots Thielemans, in Jazz Masterclass: March 19

• WHAT: NYU JAZZ MASTERCLASS WITH TOOTS THIELEMANS On March 19, Toots will be the featured “master” in NYU’s Jazz Masterclass, an ongoing series documenting the greatest living jazz legends interacting with aspiring jazz studies students. The free event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, New York.

Born in 1922, Toots immigrated to the United States from Brussels, Belgium where he became ‘hooked’ on jazz during the German occupation. He quickly rose to fame as a harmonica soloist, and guitarist, performing with the likes of Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Paul Simon, and Billy Joel.

The masterclass will include a performance by Toots with Kenny Werner, world-renowned jazz pianist and faculty member in Jazz Studies within NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. Toots and Kenny produced an album in 2001, “Toots Thielemans and Kenny Warner.” The master class will include an interview between Toots and jazz writer/critic Gary Giddins, and Toots will perform with and critique a group of student jazz performers. The event will be video taped live as part of an ongoing DVD series.

“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. We have worked together more times than I can count and he always keeps me coming back for more …”
-from Quincy Jones’ liner notes, Q’s Jook Joint, 1995

“The partnership of harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans and pianist Kenny Werner is one of the great pleasures of contemporary jazz.” - Los Angeles Times

• WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• WHERE: MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE (www.mjhnyc.org) 36 Battery Place, New York, NY

For more information, the public should call David Schroeder, director, NYU Jazz Studies in the Steinhardt School at 212.998.5446.