Gregoire Maret

For decades, if you mentioned the words “jazz” and “harmonica” together, one name came to mind: the Belgian master Toots Thielemans. But since emerging in the mid-\'00s, Swiss-born Gregoire Maret has made a name for himself on the instrument. He\'s played with major jazz figures such as Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock, and he’s also worked with non-jazz artists like Meshell Ndegeocello and Pete Seeger. In 2012, Maret transitioned from in-demand sideman to the star of the show with his self-titled debut. The album opens with “Lucilla’s Dream,” a multi-part piece with impressive harmonica playing. Steve Wonder’s harp work has been a big influence on Maret, who brings a nice touch to Wonder’s “The Secret Life of Plants.” The awesome singer Cassandra Wilson appears on Gershwin’s “The Man I Love,” where Maret steps into the role of tasteful accompanist. There are also covers of a few Brazilian gems: Ivan Lins’ “O Amor E O Meu Pais” (with a guest spot by Thielemans) and Milton Nascimento’s “Ponta de Areia.”