In order not to become too derivative, I think it's important to listen to top players of instruments other than chromatic harmonica. For that reason I try to take my cues from Desmond, Getz, Baker, Bill Evans, Joe Pass, Stitt, Cannonball, etc. Not that I could ever hope to duplicate on harmonica what they play on their instruments, but just to have their sound in my head. My brother's piano sound comes through a lot now that he's no longer with us. (What am I talking about? It did while he was alive!)
I find that if I listen to Toots too much, his figures are all I can hear in my mind when I'm working on a solo.
Actually too, I love the sweet and very French approach of Paul Lassey, and wish he would record more American ballads and bossa nova things. I love his "Luiza".
And I do love Hendrik Meurkens and listen to anything I can by him. I particularly like that he doesn't make a big production out of soloing, but just quietly blows the notes with a jazz feel - and great skill, I might add. He seems always to play with great trios.
Tom/
