The RCBB’s mystery tune for April was Bluesette by Toots Thielemans. Toots real name is Jean-Baptiste Frédéric Isidor, Baron Thielemans, and he was born in Brussels in 1922 (he’s still going strong at 89 years of age). Thielemans is known for his great guitar and harmonica playing, but also for his highly accomplished whistling! Remember the whistling on the TV commercials for “Old Spice” aftershave? That was Thielemans.

Thielemans was a member of Charlie Parker’s All-Stars, and he has played with stars like Ella Fitzgerald, George Shearing, Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Paul Simon, and Billy Joel.

Bluesette became a hit for him in 1962 but apparently isn’t as well known nowadays. In fact, in most of the RCBB concert venues there were only a handful of correct answers. Great tune, though, don’t you think? And a terrific arrangement and performance by Drew Fennell.

I have been very gratified by the positive audience reaction we’ve received to the world premieres thus far. Listening to a completely unfamiliar piece requires active engagement and a certain amount of effort on the part of the listener, and some people would rather take castor oil. A sincere thanks to you, the audience, for giving these new works a fair first hearing.