Search - Oscar Peterson, Stephane Grappelli :: Skol

A fine recording of some of jazz's greatest virtuosos

Simon Murray | London, England | 07/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Skol is listed under Peterson, but Grappelli is clearly the star, and he dominates proceedings - quite an achievement - with Peterson, Pass and NHOP on stage.



Perhaps the greatest complement one can make of this well-recorded date is that all the "virtuosos" are in fine form. Peterson is quite restrained, but that's good.



If you have any worries about buying jazz played on the violin, or if you think you've already heard enough of Grappelli's style with Django Reinhardt, put those worries away. Grappelli's tone and style ripened elegantly with age. He never fell into the clichés that he might have done after the Quintette Du Hot Club de France. He was far too classy and sophisticated, and possibly bloody-minded, for that.



The first track, Nuages, is a real gem. By most accounts, the finest version of this tune Grappelli ever recorded. He plays it with perfect touch, including a part unaccompanied, and his violin sounds very beautiful.



Go for it! The music really is good, and under-rated; it deserves a much wider audience. And if you like this, try "Tivoli Gardens" (without Peterson) and the amazing "Trio" (with Peterson in top form, but without Grappelli).

"