(btw, John, in the thread subject, "piece" should be "peace". In case you want to update.)
Yeah, I just noticed that myself. Brings unfortunate associations to the "Rest in Pieces!" movie quote. Just a slip of the tongue, I'm sure, unless I'm missing something.
Worth remembering that Toots played on the score as heard in the movie of Midnight Cowboy but Tommy Reilly played on the album version.
Yes, for some reason or other, even with the internet a lot of people get it wrong. However, LOVE both versions equally. Barry's re-recording of the main theme for the L.P. album had a polished, forceful, singing quality - Tommy Reilly's harmonica, the orchestra, especially the strings!
Toots, as heard in the film (You Tube has those snippets) had that plaintive sound nailed down reflecting Joe Buck's character and situation, hustling, wandering Times Square.
Excuse me for diverting a bit, but I wish to the powers that be that Midnight Cowboy's soundtrack with any unheard screen music be released someday - fully remastered, using tapes or stems or whatever required. Like was done with 'Charade.' So we can all hear Toots in his clarity and glory.
Also, the CD soundtrack manufactured decades ago although containing much of the movie's music, good as is can also use a modern day refreshening.
On You Tube I've always enjoyed this joyful collaboration between Billy Joel and Toots - 'Leave A Tender Moment' Live Version. At the end they exchange well deserved congrats.
Thanks to all of you who have posted links to listen to. By all evidence and accounts, Toots the man was as sweet as he was talented. (No pun on Toots Suite intended.) Saddened to hear he's gone, gladddened to know he was here so long.
FWIW, I'd prefer to say Toots was ONE of the greatest, and certainly none was ever better. But let's not forget, for instance, Larry Adler. To my knowledge, he never ventured into jazz playing, though he recorded many pop songs, but he did bring universal respect for the mouth organ to the classical music world, (Vaughan Williams wrote a concerto for him), and he did write a memorable film score for the delightful British comedy GENEVIEVE.
(btw, John, in the thread subject, "piece" should be "peace". In case you want to update.)
Oops. Embarrassing. Remind me to set my spell checker to English when typing in that language. Sigh. And oh, Thor, it was more of a 'slip of the finger'. Otherwise it would be... weird.
Preston, I wasn't aware of the Bill Evans "Affinity" collaboration - thanks so much for calling it out. Listening to it right now on Spotify. What a great idea for a collaboration, and not so hard-panned into left and right channels as Evans' albums with guitarist Jim Hall (for instance), so it sounds great.
I'm saddened to hear of his passing, he was a great talent. His most iconic work for me is MIDNIGHT COWBOY, but his artistry graced many other films as well as many excellent albums, the Bill Evans collaboration mentioned by Preston being one of my favorites.
Strange, that nobody here notes Toots invention TURKS FRUITS (Turkish Delights, 1973), with the music of the great Rogier Van Otterloo.
It was Paul (Robocop) Verhoevens first movie-hit and the music and Toot`s harmonica and his whisteling are simpley beautyfull (even more than on Cinderella Liberty).
In this video, a live-performance of Toots from the 70`s, you can also see composer Rogier Van Otterloo direct the orchestra:
