It was 1996 and I was in New York City for the first time.  At the hotel lobby I used my very limited French to help a lady communicate with the manager, and in return I received a night out with her son, who was more lost in the city than I was.  We randomly ended up in The Blue Note, a legendary jazz music club in Greenwich Village. 

Frenchman had very little to say, but we ended up sitting in a table with a japanese couple who had bought their tickets months in advance, and had flown from Tokyo with great anticipation to see Toots Thielemans.  I had no idea then who he was, but would soon find out why he's considered one of the greatest harmonica players alive.

Indeed, Mr. Thielemans seemed consumed by a great passion for his music, and the night was quickly difficult to forget.   As a result, I own his album, Chez Toots, and often listen to his rendition of Old Friend.  

Wikipedia says about Mr. Thielemans:

"...Apart from his popularity as an accomplished musician, he is well liked for his modesty and kind demeanor... "

His official website features the quote "I feel best in that little space between a smile and a tear."  Indeed, he will take you there.