One of the least-acknowledged jazz instruments is the harmonica. Although the harmonica has a beloved place in American popular culture as the preferred instrument of hobos and folk musicians, it is also one of the earliest instruments used in both jazz and blues music. The first jazz harmonica recordings date from the 1920s.

Celebrated guitarist Toots Thielemans was also well-known for his whistling and harmonica playing. Thielemans was primarily known as a guitar player, but gradually he expanded the use of the harmonica in his music. He was well-known for the harmonica music and whistling that were featured in a long-running Old Spice commercial, and he was the harmonica player in numerous movie soundtracks. He recorded with such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Jaco Pastorius and Quincy Jones. (more…)