We celebrate musicians setting new boundaries on what an instrument is capable, especially when it reaches beyond traditional conventions. Two of our favorites, harmonica-wielding Belgian wonder Toots Thielemans and the tortured-artist genius electric bass player, Jaco Pastorius team up in this incredible YouTube video on the Ellington standard "Sophisticated Lady."

Busting out of the traditional role of straw-hatted reed-blowing clowns of the 50's & 60's, Thielemans has woven lyrical chromatic wonders in his amazing jazz music for decades; recently into his 80s, he has set a whole new standard for a generation of harmonica players. Jaco remains an icon for bass players around the world. His days with ground-breaking fusion in Weather Report continues to impact and influence.

View Video: Toots and Jaco

Dream of breaking new ground in mandolinning.

Posted by Ted at September 17, 2006 7:31 PM