Search - Stephane Grappelli :: Stephane Grappelli-Live in Paris 1992

Stephane Swings

G. L. | L.A. CA. | 08/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had an awareness of the name, Stephane Grappelli, for a number of years, but only in the last few did I even know that he played the jazz violin. Yeah, yeah, I know-you jazz fans of muchos años are thinking, "What a dork. Didn't know who Stephane is?" Never had heard him, never cared-there's too much great jazz out there to get a handle on everyone all at once. But, that's all changed since I read a recent review(Don Heckman-LA Times) of this CD rerelease, Live in Paris 1992, that inspired me to seek it out. Grappelli, bass player, and two guitarists, who each play acoustic and electric. Philip on the left channel, and Marc on the right. No drums, no horns.Now, I've only listened to it twice, but it goes on my top 5 most enjoyable instrumental jazz CDs. Incredible music and musicianship. Tight group. Some tunes written by him, and some standards. Frequent room for bass solos (as well as guitar), and this Orsted Pedersen guy can work that thing. In recent months I have been fortunate to have seen/heard Carlos Henriquez with Rubalcaba, Anthony Jackson with Michel Camilo, John Clayton, and Ray Brown at his last Hollywood gig at Catalina's (BTW-he went out at the top of his game!), and Orsted Pedersen gives up little, if anything to that group. Some end-tones for many of the bass notes need some pumping of the volume for max realization, but that shouldn't be a problem-this ain't no background jazz. This is sit-back, grab a gin and tonic, and enjoy-the-show jazz. Remember the Pioneer TV and print commercials, where the guy is sitting in his chair and the sound is blowing past him like a stiff wind? It's like that.Stephane was most generous with the time allotted for his sidemen, a characteristic he had in common with Ray Brown. His sense of swing makes this one fun, exciting album. The live audience, assuming applause was not enhanced, loved it also.
You NEED to buy this CD. Today."