Oscar Peterson - Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (4-Disc Set)

Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Louis Bellson, Ray brown, Benny Carter, Martin Drew, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Jon Faddis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stephane Grappelli, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Hayes, Johnny Hodges, Barney Kessel, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Joe Pass, Mickey Roker, Clark Terry, Toots Thieleman, Ed Thigpen, David Young, and more.

Oscar Peterson's recordings on the Pablo label span the years from the '50s to the '70s and have long needed this type of lavish anthology. Over the course of four discs, you get to hear five tunes by the classic trio matching the peerless pianist with guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown. But the best of that particular band – arguably Peterson's finest – resides largely on the Verve label, so the Pablo years find Peterson interacting with a number of stars with whom he shared studio or concert stage time on an occasional, sometimes casual basis. The supporting cast on the Pablo years is dazzling, and the results are rarely less than deeply satisfying. Peterson sounds delightfully restrained during a charming piano duet with Count Basie, deliciously witty with growling trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, and nearly intimidated by the virtuosity of Stephane Grappelli, but then again, "Nuages" is the tune this box showcases, and the violinist had a few decades after Django's death to stake his claim to that number.

Half of the 46 tracks here are live, and live recordings always bring out the flashy entertainer in Peterson. Yet even for those critics like myself who find Peterson more focused and inspired in the studio, there are ecstatic rewards in the live offerings here. A 1967 concert with the Ellington band finds Peterson navigating a strangely compelling blues line through a show-stopping "Take the A Train" that succeeds in spite of obvious showboating. Another live bit of Ellingtonia that succeeds, a medley of Perdido and Caravan at dizzying speed, comes from a 1986 Los Angeles concert where Peterson's telepathic empathy with guitarist Joe Pass equals in sheer majesty his interaction of the '50s with Herb Ellis.

There are a handful of regrettable clinkers: a misguided vocal that sounds like Nat King Cole recorded at the ocean floor, a quizzical number on clavichord, surely not Peterson's ideal instrument (as he was quick to recognize), and an overripe orchestrated tribute to the late Princess Di that resembles in sap content Ellington's tribute to the Queen. These gaffes aside, this is a sterling, well-programmed set certain to please fans of our forever-young, and arguably, greatest living pianist. ~Norman Weinstein

Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:13
Size: 169.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[4:48] 1. That Old Black Magic
[5:00] 2. Tenderly
[3:22] 3. How High The Moon
[4:40] 4. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:40] 5. You Are Too Beautiful
[4:47] 6. Smedley
[5:08] 7. Someday My Prince Will Come
[6:03] 8. Daytrain
[3:33] 9. Moonglow
[4:36] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown
[6:23] 11. C Jam Blues
[6:37] 12. Wes' Tune
[8:42] 13. Okie Blues
[6:50] 14. You Can Depend On Me

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Album:Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:59
Size: 169.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[8:40] 1. You Are My Sunshine
[6:58] 2. Caravan
[7:09] 3. Stella By Starlight
[4:43] 4. Little Jazz
[5:28] 5. Soft Winds
[6:30] 6. Mean To Me
[7:52] 7. Oh, Lady Be Good
[4:20] 8. On A Slow Boat To China
[4:26] 9. Summertime
[7:18] 10. Blues For Birks
[4:54] 11. How Long Has This Been Going On
[5:34] 12. Hogtown Blues

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1) (Disc 2)

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Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:01
Size: 174.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[ 5:22] 1. Blues Etude
[ 3:37] 2. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
[ 7:18] 3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[ 6:44] 4. Just In Time
[ 4:46] 5. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
[ 6:23] 6. Goodbye
[ 6:25] 7. Falling In Love With Love
[ 7:13] 8. Nigerian Marketplace
[ 6:28] 9. Sometimes I'm Happy
[13:14] 10. Perdido
[ 8:27] 11. Cool Walk

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Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 4)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:47
Size: 166.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[ 5:27] 1. Take The 'a' Train
[12:57] 2. Ballad Medley 5400 North
[ 6:14] 3. Exactly Like You
[11:17] 4. Au Privave
[10:50] 5. If I Were A Bell
[ 8:05] 6. Nuages
[ 3:46] 7. Some Of These Days
[ 4:58] 8. Lady Di's Waltz
[ 9:09] 9. Stuffy

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)(Disc 4)

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Teresa Brewer & Stephane Grappelli - On the Road Again

Styles: Vocal, Violin Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:19
Size: 81,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:46) 1. On The Road Again
(2:49) 2. It Had To Be You
(3:52) 3. Come On And Drive Me Crazy
(2:58) 4. Smile
(4:50) 5. After You've Gone
(2:57) 6. I Love A Violin
(2:57) 7. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(5:15) 8. Them There Eyes
(5:50) 9. As Time Goes By

Teresa Brewer started out as a spunky novelty vocalist in the 1950s and weathered the rise of rock to emerge as an exuberant jazz singer in the 1970s. Though some find it disconcerting to hear her cutesy, slightly nasal Your Hit Parade-style delivery in a jazz context, at her best she can swing with a loose and easy fervor, aided greatly by the distinguished company she often keeps on her records.

Brewer started singing on Major Bowes' Amateur Hour at the age of five and scored her first big hit as a teenager in 1950 with the diabolically catchy "Music! Music! Music!" That ditty found its way onto almost every jukebox in the land and launched a series of hit singles on Coral stretching all the way to 1961. Her marriage to record producer Bob Thiele in 1972 led to her re-emergence via a long string of albums for Thiele's labels (Doctor Jazz, Signature, Red Baron), often in tandem with such luminaries as Count Basie, Benny Carter, Duke and Mercer Ellington, Stephane Grappelli, Earl Hines, and Clark Terry. By Richard S.Ginell https://www.allmusic.com/artist/teresa-brewer-mn0000017882/biography

Personnel: Vocals – Teresa Brewer; Violin – Stephane Grappelli; Acoustic Guitar – Diz Disley; Bass – Jack Sewing; Electric Guitar – Martin Taylor

On the Road Again

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Django Reinhardt - The Unforgettable

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:50
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. Sweet Georgia Brown
(2:27)  2. Minor Swing
(2:54)  3. Double Whisky
(3:45)  4. Artillerie Lourde
(2:35)  5. Saint James Infirmary
(3:34)  6. "C" Jam Blues
(3:34)  7. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:07)  8. Dream Of You
(3:47)  9. Begin The Beguine
(3:40) 10. How High The Moon
(3:28) 11. Nuages
(3:53) 12. I Can't Get Started
(3:41) 13. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(3:25) 14. Manoir De Mes Reves

Django Reinhardt was the first hugely influential jazz figure to emerge from Europe and he remains the most influential European to this day, with possible competition from Joe Zawinul, George Shearing, John McLaughlin, his old cohort Stephane Grappelli and a bare handful of others. A free-spirited gypsy, Reinhardt wasn't the most reliable person in the world, frequently wandering off into the countryside on a whim. Yet Reinhardt came up with a unique way of propelling the humble acoustic guitar into the front line of a jazz combo in the days before amplification became widespread. He would spin joyous, arcing, marvelously inflected solos above the thrumming base of two rhythm guitars and a bass, with Grappelli's elegantly gliding violin serving as the perfect foil. His harmonic concepts were startling for their time making a direct impression upon Charlie Christian and Les Paul, among others and he was an energizing rhythm guitarist behind Grappelli, pushing their groups into a higher gear. Not only did Reinhardt put his stamp upon jazz, his string band music also had an impact upon the parallel development of Western swing, which eventually fed into the wellspring of what is now called country music.

Although he could not read music, with Grappelli and on his own, Reinhardt composed several winsome, highly original tunes like "Daphne," "Nuages" and "Manoir de Mes Reves," as well as mad swingers like "Minor Swing" and the ode to his record label of the '30s, "Stomping at Decca." As the late Ralph Gleason said about Django's recordings, "They were European and they were French and they were still jazz."

A violinist first and a guitarist later, Jean Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt grew up in a gypsy camp near Paris where he absorbed the gypsy strain into his music. A disastrous caravan fire in 1928 badly burned his left hand, depriving him of the use of the fourth and fifth fingers, but the resourceful Reinhardt figured out a novel fingering system to get around the problem that probably accounts for some of the originality of his style. According to one story, during his recovery period, Reinhardt was introduced to American jazz when he found a 78 RPM disc of Louis Armstrong's "Dallas Blues" at an Orleans flea market. He then resumed his career playing in Parisian cafes until one day in 1934 when Hot Club chief Pierre Nourry proposed the idea of an all-string band to Reinhardt and Grappelli.

Thus was born the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, which quickly became an international draw thanks to a long, splendid series of Ultraphone, Decca and HMV recordings.The outbreak of war in 1939 broke up the Quintette, with Grappelli remaining in London where the group was playing and Reinhardt returning to France. During the war years, he led a big band, another quintet with clarinetist Hubert Rostaing in place of Grappelli, and after the liberation of Paris, recorded with such visiting American jazzmen as Mel Powell, Peanuts Hucko and Ray McKinley. In 1946, Reinhardt took up the electric guitar and toured America as a soloist with the Duke Ellington band but his appearances were poorly received. Some of his recordings on electric guitar late in his life are bop escapades where his playing sounds frantic and jagged, a world apart from the jubilant swing of old. However, starting in Jan. 1946, Reinhardt and Grappelli held several sporadic reunions where the bop influences are more subtly integrated into the old, still-fizzing swing format. In the 1950s, Reinhardt became more reclusive, remaining in Europe, playing and recording now and then until his death from a stroke in 1953. His Hot Club recordings from the `30s are his most irresistible legacy; their spirit and sound can be felt in current groups like Holland's Rosenberg Trio.

Personnel: Guitar – Django Reinhardt; Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – André Ekyan;  Bass – Alf Masselier, Carlo Pecori;  Drums – Aurelio De Carolis , Roger Paraboschi;  Piano – Gianni Safred, Ralph Schécroun; Violin – Stephane Grappelli       

The Unforgettable

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Stephane Grappelli - Steff and Slam

Styles: Jazz, Swing
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:16
Size: 118,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:22) 1. I Would Do Anything for You
(4:38) 2. 'Deed I Do
(3:48) 3. You're the Cream in My Coffee
(3:40) 4. It's Only a Paper Moon
(5:32) 5. Autumn in New York
(4:28) 6. You're Driving Me Crazy
(4:23) 7. It Had to Be You
(2:36) 8. Sysmo
(5:11) 9. As Time Goes By
(4:28) 10. I'll Never Be the Same
(5:31) 11. My Blue Heaven
(2:34) 12. Flonville

It only seems natural that violinist Stephane Grappelli and bassist Slam Stewart, two masters of swing whose careers both got underway in the 1930s, would eventually record together; they are joined by pianist Johnny Guarnieri, guitarist Jimmy Shirley, and drummer Jackie Williams. Things start off well with a lively run through "I Would Do Anything for You," featuring the leader's matchless violin and Stewart's trademarked bowing while singing in unison an octave above. Most of the rest of the numbers are also songs that both men likely played countless times during their respective long careers; there are no disappointments. Grappelli plays solo piano on two originals, "Sysmo" and "Flonville," while "Sweet and Lovely" was added from a different date, with Roland Hanna, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Duvivier, and Oliver Jackson taking over for the earlier rhythm section. Recommended.~ Ken Drydenhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/steff-and-slam-mw0000188132

Personnel: Violin – Stephane Grappelli; Bass, Vocals – Slam Stewart ; Drums – Jackie Williams; Guitar – Jimmy Shirley; Piano – Johnny Guarnieri, Stephane Grappelli; Sleeve Notes – Alain Antonietto

Steff and Slam

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Stéphane Grappelli - Satin Doll

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:12
Size: 163,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:55)  1. Satin Doll
(3:22)  2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(4:54)  3. Ain't Misbehavin'
(4:38)  4. Mack The Knife
(7:52)  5. Body And Soul
(7:01)  6. Pennies From Heaven
(5:12)  7. The Girl From Ipanema
(4:07)  8. My Funny Valentine
(4:23)  9. Blue Moon
(4:48) 10. The Lady Is A Tramp
(3:16) 11. Exactly Like You
(3:18) 12. Ebb Tide
(3:30) 13. You Took Advantage Of Me
(3:36) 14. Lover Man
(3:12) 15. I Didn't Know What Time

On this double LP, violinist Stéphane Grappelli gets away from his usual tribute to the late Django Reinhardt and plays 15 standards, including "Mack the Knife," "The Girl from Ipanema," "You Took Advantage of Me," and "Body and Soul." Accompanied by organist Eddy Louiss, pianist Marc Hemmeler, guitarist Jimmy Gourley, bassist Guy Pedersen, and drummer Kenny Clarke, Grappelli is in typically flawless form for these enjoyable swing sessions. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/satin-doll-mw0000188216

Personnel: Violin – Stéphane Grappelli; Bass – Guy Pedersen; Guitar – Jimmy Gourley; Organ – Eddy Louiss; Percussion – Kenny Clarke; Piano – Marc Hemmeler 

Satin Doll

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Stéphane Grappelli - Le Toit de Paris

Styles: Swing, Gypsy
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:18
Size: 87,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:40)  1. Rain Check
(3:44)  2. Camélia
(3:11)  3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
(3:16)  4. Andrée
(3:27)  5. What Am I Here For
(2:39)  6. Tabou
(2:34)  7. Denise
(3:02)  8. Flamingo
(2:25)  9. Time On My Hands
(2:26) 10. Zelda
(2:47) 11. Anna
(2:20) 12. Light
(1:40) 13. So Long

Stephane Grappelli's career was beginning to take off once again around the time of this 1969 session in Paris; the swinging violinist is accompanied by pianist Raymond Fol, guitarist Tony Ovio, bassist Jack Sewing, and drummer Andre Hartmann. While the leader and his pianist play rather well, the rest of the rhythm section is burdened by Ovio's rather hackneyed accompaniment. The best tracks are the standards, including a very brisk "Rain Check" and "What Am I Here For" (the latter of which opens with a bit of pizzicato violin), as well as a breakneck "Tabou" (sometimes spelled "Taboo" or "Tabu" on other records). Less inspired are labored renditions of "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" and "Time on My Hands." One factor separating this date from the typical Grappelli release is the heavier concentration of original material; Grappelli contributed two fairly nondescript ballads ("Andree" and "Light") and the intense swinger "Denise," while Fol penned the bland ballad "Camelia" and a somewhat corny waltz, "Anna." Fol switches to celeste on a couple of numbers, neither of which are particularly remarkable. An odd note on the back cover apologizes for using the original album cover art with the leader's name misspelled Stephane Grappelly, which was actually the original spelling and the way he still signed autographs 20 years after the recording session! While this album (reissued on CD by RCA France in 1994) is hardly a prime example from Stephane Grappelli's considerable discography, there are enough enjoyable tracks for swing fans to considering purchasing it. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/le-toit-de-paris-mw0000530949

Personnel:  Violin -  Stéphane Grappelli;  Bass – Jack Sewing;  Drums – Andre Hartman;  Guitar – Tony Ovio;  Piano – Raymond Fol

Le Toit de Paris

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Gary Burton, Stephane Grappelli - Paris Encounter

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:17
Size: 80.8 MB
Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1972/2005
Art: Front

[4:05] 1. Daphné
[3:36] 2. Blue In Green
[3:12] 3. Falling Grace
[5:26] 4. Here's That Rainy Day
[3:57] 5. Coquette
[3:39] 6. Sweet Rain
[3:43] 7. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
[3:23] 8. Arpege
[4:12] 9. Eiderdown

Drums – Bill Goodwin; Electric Bass – Steve Swallow; Vibraphone [Vibraharp] – Gary Burton; Violin – Stéphane Grappelli. Recorded at Studios Europe Sonor, Paris, France.

Atlantic has thus far been very slow to reissue its six valuable Gary Burton records. This particular set is the most accessible of the group, for it matches the advanced vibraphonist with the classic violinist Stephane Grappelli in a quartet also including electric bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bill Goodwin. The music alternates between standards and originals (including Swallow's famous "Eiderdown"), and both Grappelli and Burton prove to be flexible enough to have much common ground despite a 35-year difference in age. A frequently delightful set. ~Scott Yanow

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Paris Encounter zippy

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Various - Generation Django

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 104:40
Size: 239.6 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz, Swing
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:17] 1. Biréli Lagrène - More
[2:58] 2. Biréli Lagrène - Daphne
[2:48] 3. Amati Schmitt - Gipsy Swing
[4:08] 4. Rocky Gresset - Time On My Hands
[2:31] 5. Dorado Schmitt - Bleu Citron
[3:31] 6. Biréli Lagrène - La Mer
[2:04] 7. Rocky Gresset - Ferber Swing
[4:52] 8. Biréli Lagrène - Place Du Tertre
[4:20] 9. Luis Salinas - Nubes
[3:47] 10. Rocky Gresset - Blue Skies
[2:55] 11. Biréli Lagrène - Les Yeux Noirs
[3:46] 12. Valérie Duchâteau - Danse Norvegienne
[9:18] 13. Biréli Lagrène - Minor Swing
[3:00] 14. Django Reinhardt - Blues Clair
[3:19] 15. Dorado Schmitt - My Blue Heaven
[3:10] 16. Gautier Laurent - Them There Eyes
[2:24] 17. Adrien Moignard - Dinette
[2:44] 18. Marcel Loeffler - Montagne Sainte Geneviève
[5:00] 19. Rocky Gresset - Tears
[3:17] 20. David Reinhardt - Nuits De Saint Germain Des Prés
[4:36] 21. Babik Reinhardt - Incertitudes
[2:16] 22. Sanseverino - La Cigale Et La Fourmi
[4:16] 23. Biréli Lagrène - Envie De Toi
[4:10] 24. Biréli Lagrène - Zurezat
[4:56] 25. Jean-Yves Dubanton - Frédo
[3:44] 26. Caravan Palace -Jolie Coquine
[6:22] 27. Stéphane Grappelli - Blues For Django And Stéphane

Larry Coryell's "Blues for Django and Stephane" (from a 1992 concert, featuring guitarists Philip Catherine and Marc Fossett, plus bass virtuoso Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen), plus a mesmerizing guitar trio rendition of "Tears" (with Rocky Gresset, Adrien Moignard, and Sylvain Luc) are here, off-setting some of the more contemporary arrangements, which aren't as interesting. Guitarist David Reinhardt's setting of Django's "Nuits de Saint Germain Des Pres" combines a more poppish/contemporary sound with Brazilian rhythm, organ, and flute, though it is innocuous. Babik Reinhardt's original "Incertitudes" is more like a cheesy smooth jazz track, with his effective electric guitar backed by mundane keyboards and an instantly forgettable pop rhythm. Worst of all, though, is Caravan Palace's "Jolie Coquine," which attempts to blend Andrews Sisters-style vocals with gypsy rhythm, then adds contemporary percussion that makes it sound like a modern dance club number, and a forgettable, overproduced effort. The liner notes are rather brief, when they could have been used to explain the selection process and background of some of the lesser-known artists. Many of the songs have previously been released elsewhere, though it is not made clear if anything was recorded specifically for this anthology. In total, a generally good, though inconsistent salute, to Django Reinhardt's lasting influence on jazz. ~Ken Dryden

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Generation Django zippy

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Stephane Grappelli & Stuff Smith - Stuff And Steff

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:45
Size: 90,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. How High The Moon
(8:37)  2. Blues In The Dungeon
(5:48)  3. Skip It
(5:53)  4. S'posin'
(4:35)  5. Willow Weep For Me
(8:49)  6. This Can't Be Love

Violinists Stéphane Grappelli and Stuff Smith performed together on a few occasions, but this 1965 studio session, first issued by Barclay, was one of the more difficult dates to acquire until Universal Music reissued it on CD in 2002, as a part of their extensive Jazz in Paris series. With a solid rhythm section (pianist René Urtreger, bassist Michel Gaudry, and drummer Michel Delaporte) that pretty much sticks to a supporting role, it is clear that Smith's gritty tone rubs off on Grappelli as the session progresses. Highlights include Smith's "Blues in the Dungeon" (during which Grappelli playfully alternates between playing pizzicato and arco to back Smith's hoarse but swinging vocal) and an equally playful, swinging take of "This Can't Be Love." Jazz violin fans may give Smith the nod over Grappelli on this date, but both men obviously enjoyed themselves during the making of this disc. The glorious 24-bit remastering produces sound that is greatly improved over the tinny Everest LP reissued under Smith's name during the 1970s. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/stuff-and-steff-mw0000229429

Personnel:  Violin – Stuff Smith, Stéphane Grappelli;  Vocals – Stuff Smith (tracks: 2, 4);  Double Bass – Michel Gaudry;  Drums – Michel Delaporte;  Piano – René Urtreger

Stuff And Steff

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Stephane Grappelli - Crazy Rhythm

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:15
Size: 176.9 MB
Styles: Swing, Continental jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. Crazy Rhythm
[4:29] 2. Birth Of The Blues
[4:39] 3. Sweet Georgia Brown
[4:16] 4. Ain't Misbehavin'
[3:29] 5. Makin' Whoopee
[4:28] 6. Just A Gigolo
[3:10] 7. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[4:54] 8. How About You
[5:03] 9. Ol' Man River
[4:33] 10. Didn't We
[4:28] 11. Oh, Lady Be Good
[3:55] 12. I've Got The World On A String
[2:59] 13. Avalon
[4:38] 14. What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
[7:52] 15. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[6:58] 16. Mean To Me
[3:55] 17. Some One To Watch Over Me

One of the all-time great jazz violinists (ranking with Joe Venuti and Stuff Smith as one of the big three of pre-bop), Stéphane Grappelli's longevity and consistently enthusiastic playing did a great deal to establish the violin as a jazz instrument. He was originally self-taught as both a violinist and a pianist, although during 1924-28 he studied at the Paris Conservatoire. Grappelli played in movie theaters and dance bands before meeting guitarist Django Reinhardt in 1933. They hit it off musically from the start even though their lifestyles (Grappelli was sophisticated while Django was a gypsy) were very different. Together as Quintet of the Hot Club of France (comprised of violin, three acoustic guitars and bass) during 1933-39 they produced a sensational series of recordings and performances. During a London engagement in 1939, World War II broke out. Reinhardt rashly decided to return to France but Grappelli stayed in England, effectively ending the group. The violinist soon teamed up with the young pianist George Shearing in a new band that worked steadily through the war. In 1946, Grappelli and Reinhardt had the first of several reunions although they never worked together again on a regular basis (despite many new recordings). Grappelli performed throughout the 1950s and '60s in clubs throughout Europe and, other than recordings with Duke Ellington (Violin Summit) and Joe Venuti, he remained somewhat obscure in the U.S. until he began regularly touring the world in the early '70s. Since then Grappelli has been a constant traveler and a consistent poll-winner, remaining very open-minded without altering his swing style; he has recorded with David Grisman, Earl Hines, Bill Coleman, Larry Coryell, Oscar Peterson, Jean Luc Ponty and McCoy Tyner among many others. Active up until near the end, the increasingly frail Grappelli remained at the top of his field even when he was 89. His early recordings are all available on Classics CDs and he recorded quite extensively during his final three decades. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Crazy Rhythm

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Oscar Peterson, Stéphane Grappelli - Jazz In Paris: Quartet Vol. 1

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:03
Size: 89.4 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz, Standards
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[4:47] 1. Them There Eyes
[5:35] 2. Flamingo
[4:34] 3. Makin' Whoopee
[4:45] 4. Looking At You
[4:59] 5. Walkin' My Baby Back Home
[9:45] 6. My One And Only Love
[4:36] 7. Thou Swell

One of the nice things about jazz is the cross-pollination of different players in multiple settings. No one would've thought of pairing swing violinist Stéphane Grappelli and bop pianist Oscar Peterson, for instance, but the match works very well. The pair have expanded into a quartet on this reissue with the aid of double bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Kenny Clarke. The set, recorded in 1973 in Paris, includes a handful of standards, from Pinkard/Tracey/Tauber's "Them There Eyes" to Rodgers & Hart's "Thou Swell." As one might guess, Grappelli is in his own element on upbeat, swinging pieces like "Makin' Whoopee" and "Walkin' My Baby Back Home." Peterson likewise joins in the spirit of these pieces, making them the most interesting interpretations on the album. Other material, like the lingering "Flamingo" and "My One and Only Love," are also enjoyable, but seem rather tepid in comparison. The latter composition is also handicapped by its nearly ten-minute length. Peterson and Grappelli end with a nice, bouncy version of "Thou Swell" that brings the whole affair to a satisfying close. Quartet, Vol. 1 isn't a perfect recording, but it is an enjoyable one, showing how much fun it is to pair unlikely musicians in the studio and see what happens. ~Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.

Jazz In Paris: Quartet Vol. 1

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Oscar Peterson, Stephane Grappelli - Skol (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:30
Size: 136.2 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, Mainstream jazz
Year: 1979/2013
Art: Front

[8:14] 1. Nuages
[5:19] 2. How About You
[6:57] 3. Someone To Watch Over Me
[5:16] 4. Makin' Whoopee
[7:33] 5. That's All
[7:04] 6. Skol Blues
[6:32] 7. Honeysuckle Rose
[5:58] 8. Solitude
[6:33] 9. I Got Rhythm

Oscar Peterson: piano; Stephane Grappelli: violin; Joe Pass: guitar; Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen: bass; Mickey Roker: drums.

Music impresario Norman Granz (1918-2001) was a cagey so-and-so. When he inaugurated Pablo Records in 1973, he already had a catalog of recordings and an immediate pool of exceptional performers who also happened to be under his management (often making his acquaintance through Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic program). With this combination of fortunes, Granz was able to release some 350 recordings in 15 years, before he sold his company to Fantasy Records in 1987.

In 1979, with his label connections with pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen and drummer Mickey Roker firmly cemented, Granz was in a perfect position to take advantage of recording this quartet's support of violinist Stephane Grappelli July 6, 1979 at Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. Grappelli, veteran of guitarist Django Reinhardt's Quintette du Hot Club de France, was to meet another guitar titan in Pass for what would be a memorable show. The concert had two parts, the first recorded with Grappelli, Pass and Pedersen, released as Stephane Grappelli/Joe Pass/Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen: Tivoli Gardens (Pablo, 1979). The second part of the show added Peterson and Roker, eventually becoming the present Skol.

The original six tunes are supplemented with previously unreleased performances of Honeysuckle Rose," "Solitude" and "I Got Rhythm" making this overall re-release quite attractive. The performance begins with an extended suite version of Django Reinhardt's "Nauges" introduced first by a solo performance by Pass, followed by Pass supporting Grappelli and then a solo performance by Peterson. The entire band joins in the coda, reminding an appreciative audience why they came to this particular show on a balmy Summer night. ~C. Michael Bailey

Skol (Remastered)

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Teresa Brewer - What A Wonderful World

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:23
Size: 91,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. What A Wonderful World
(4:04)  2. June Night
(4:15)  3. I Dream Of You
(5:03)  4. Just Imagine
(3:22)  5. Isn't It A Lovely Day?
(3:45)  6. I've Got A Feeling
(2:55)  7. Live Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries
(3:46)  8. On The Road Again
(3:50)  9. Come And Drive Me Crazy
(5:18) 10. My Heart Belongs To Daddy

A 1989 release of Brewer singing and being backed by Stephane Grappelli and Ruby Braff. I'd rather hear them.~Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/what-a-wonderful-world-mw0000201527

Personnel: Teresa Brewer (vocals); Bob Haggart (whistling); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); John Bertoncini (guitar); Diz Disley (acoustic guitar); Martin Taylor (electric guitar); Stéphane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen (violin); Bob Wilber (clarinet, saxophone); Bud Freeman (tenor saxophone); Yank Lawson (trumpet); Ruby Braff , Bobby Hackett (cornet); Vic Dickenson, Benny Morton (trombone); Derek Smith , Hank Jones , Ralph Sutton , Earl Hines (piano); Ron Traxler, Grady Tate, Gus Johnson , Oliver Jackson (drums)

What A Wonderful World

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Stephane Grappelli - Olympia 1988

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:51
Size: 156,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Pick Yourself Up
(3:07)  2. Chicago
(2:26)  3. Shine
(5:15)  4. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(5:40)  5. Love For Sale
(3:26)  6. I Get A Kick Out Of You
(4:16)  7. Swing 42
(4:13)  8. La Chanson Des Rues
(2:33)  9. Chatanooga Choo Choo
(4:45) 10. Someone to Watch Over Me / I Got Rhythm
(4:30) 11. Ol' Man River
(5:43) 12. Willow Weep For Me
(4:09) 13. 'S Wonderful
(4:00) 14. Lady Be Good
(3:46) 15. Nuages / Daphne
(4:37) 16. Honeysuckle Rose

Violinist Stephane Grappelli has recorded so many fine sets during the past two decades that although virtually all of them are enjoyable, most are not essential. This fine concert performance with a quartet (which also includes the guitars of Marc Fosset and Martin Taylor) is typical of Grappelli's ability to infuse familiar melodies that he has performed a countless number of times with enthusiasm, energy and wit. Pianist Martial Solal and violinist Svend Asmussen make guest appearances but most of the focus is on the great Grappelli, who never seems to have an off day.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/olympia-88-mw0000314869

Personnel: Stéphane Grappelli (violin); Marc Fosset (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Martin Taylor (electric guitar); Svend Asmussen (violin); Martial Solal (piano); Patrice Caratini (double bass).

Olympia 88

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Various - Swing & Jazz Collection Vol. 1

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:44
Size: 120.7 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Swing
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. The George Barnes Quartet - Sweet Georgia Brown
[7:52] 2. Jerry Garcia - Milestones
[3:42] 3. Matt Eakle - Gran's Blues
[2:43] 4. Hal Blaine - Jazz Bop
[3:50] 5. Don Stiernberg - Moonlight In Vermont
[3:59] 6. Martin Taylor - I'm Beginning To See The Light
[2:43] 7. Svend Asmussen - My Blue Heaven
[4:36] 8. Tiny Moore - Back To Back
[2:46] 9. Frank Vignola - Limehouse Blues
[6:23] 10. David Grisman Quintet - Jazzin' With Jazzbeaux
[2:55] 11. Oscar Alemán - Russian Lullaby
[7:40] 12. Stephane Grappelli - Exploration

This first collection of swing & jazz performances from the archives of Acoustic Disc and Acoustic Oasis offers a broad sampling of improvisational styles and the musicians that created them, from Oscar Aleman's classic rendition of "Russian Lullaby" (which inspired Jerry Garcia) to Garcia's own take on Miles Davis' "Milestones."

Other highlights include historic cuts by string-jazz masters Svend Asmussen, Jethro Burns and Tiny Moore and some truly unique tracks - "Exploration I" by violin legend Stephane Grappelli, showcasing his rarely-heard piano mastery and a special guest appearance by the legendary Al "Jazzbo" Collins rapping along with the David Grisman Quintet. If you like swing and jazz, treat yourself to this amazing collection.

Swing & Jazz Collection Vol. 1

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George Shearing & Stephane Grappelli - The reunion

Styles: Piano And Violin Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:46
Size: 98,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. I'm Coming Virginia
(4:48)  2. Time After Time
(3:57)  3. La Chanson de Rue
(4:06)  4. Too Marvelous for Words
(4:10)  5. It Don't Mean a Thing
(5:06)  6. Makin Whoopee
(4:20)  7. After You've Gone
(4:25)  8. Flamingo
(3:12)  9. Star Eyes
(5:37) 10. Folks Who Lives On the Hill

A wonderful duo release from '76 with pianist George Shearing collaborating with violinist Stephane Grappelli. Shearing's sessions are usually more introspective and light than upbeat and hot, but Grappelli's soaring, exuberant violin solos seem to put a charge into Shearing, who responds with some of his hottest playing in many years. 

~ Ron Wynn  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-reunion-mw0000649727

Personnel:  George Shearing  (piano);  Stephane Grappelli (violin);  Andrew Simpkins (bass);  Rusty Jones (drums).

The reunion

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Stephane Grappelli & Phil Woods - Anything Goes

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:51
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:59)  1. All Of Me
(4:19)  2. Star Eyes
(4:34)  3. Anything Goes
(5:06)  4. Don't Blame Me
(2:38)  5. Moonlight In Vermont
(4:55)  6. It Might As Well Be Spring
(4:05)  7. Have You Met Miss Jones
(3:16)  8. Love Song
(3:56)  9. Sing Hallelujah

The 1987 session featured on Stephane Grappelli's edition of the Who's Who in Jazz series has been released on a variety of labels and is the only recorded meeting between Grappelli and Phil Woods. With guitarist Marc Fossett and bassist Jon Burr (two of the violinist's regular sidemen), plus the great Louis Bellson on drums, the musicians clearly are enjoying themselves as they delve into nine standards and Grappelli's "Love Song." No one musician dominates, as the solo breaks are generally short and passed around between everyone. 

The resulting music is quite unlike anything else in either Grappelli's or Woods' vast discographies. Highlights include a pulsating "Caravan," with Woods' boisterous solo, "Have You Met Miss Jones?" (with Woods switching to clarinet), and Grappelli's lyrical samba-flavored interpretation of "It Might as Well Be Spring." Two proofreading blunders by Who's Who in Jazz should be noted; the opening track is not "All of Me" but actually "You Took Advantage of Me," while the final selection is correctly titled "Hallelujah." ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1130267&style=music&fulldesc=T

Personnel: Stéphane Grappelli (violin); Marc Fosset (guitar); Phil Woods (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Louis Bellson (drums).

Anything Goes

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Michel Petrucciani - So What - Best Of

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:37
Size: 162,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:40)  1. Summertime
(3:03)  2. Little Peace In C For U
(9:19)  3. Home
(3:32)  4. J'aurais Tellement Voulu
(6:14)  5. Chloe Meets Gershwin
(3:08)  6. Brazilian Like
(7:03)  7. So What
(6:47)  8. Les Grelots
(3:51)  9. Looking Up
(4:03) 10. Besame Mucho
(5:50) 11. Why
(6:20) 12. Michel's Blues
(3:41) 13. Penny's From Heaven

Bill Evans wrote in the liner notes for his Grammy Award-winning album Alone that "to understand music most profoundly one only has to be listening well." If you listen to an Evans album and follow it with So What, you will understand well that Evans' music lived in the small but profound hands of Michel Petrucciani. So What is a recorded odyssey of Petrucciani's work on Dreyfus Jazz; a compilation that shows a well-seasoned jazz pianist playing beautifully in the style of his influences like Evans, Ellington, Debussy, and Ravel. Throughout the album, Petrucciani's playing is so spirited and disciplined, like his piano predecessors, that a first-time listener would never know that he was afflicted with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as glass bone disease. The disease ultimately led to Petrucciani's death in 1999 when he was only 36, but it didn't stop him from becoming an accomplished musician who had a joie de vivre, as his French countrymen would say. 

So What opens up with a Gershwin standard, "Summertime," featuring a duet with a long-time companion of Petrucciani, French jazz organist extraordonaire Eddy Louiss. Petrucciani solos on "Summertime" with a light swing, but he cascades across the keyboard very strongly with Tin Pan Alley stride. Louiss plays the warm, mellow tone of the organ in a stop-and-start bebop style while Petrucciani comps aggressively. "Summertime" and "Les Grelots" (also featuring a duet with Louiss) were originally taken from a three-night show at the Paris club Petit Journal Montparnasse. "Home" and "So What," extracted from Petrucciani's Trio In Toyko, feature popular session drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Anthony Jackson. The trio's rendition of "So What" is energetic, even without front line horns. Petrucciani states the famous modal chorus and then breaks into a heavily classical influenced solo that sounds more like the Romantic pianist Debussy than Evans' original solo on Davis's "So What."

The rest of So What features live Petrucciani originals in Germany; a duet with Petrucciani's father, Tony, on guitar; and an all-star quartet featuring fellow French violinist Stephane Grappelli, bebop legend/drummer Roy Haynes, and bassist George Mraz. So What is an outstanding overview of the diverse, but well-grounded musical palette and channeled technique from which Petrucciani created vivid jazz piano improvisations. ~ Aaron Rogers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/so-what-the-best-of-michel-petrucciani-michel-petrucciani-dreyfus-records-review-by-aaron-rogers.php

Personnel:  Michel Petrucciani,piano;  Eddy Louiss,organ;  Geoge Mraz,Anthony Jackson,bass;  Roy Haynes,Steve Gadd,drums;  Stephane Grappelli,violin;  Tony Petrucciani,guitar;  Bob Brookmeyer,trombone;  Flavio Boltro,trumpet;  Stefano Di Battista,saxophone;   Graffiti String Quartet

So What - Best Of

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Yehudi Menuhin, Stéphane Grappelli - Jealousy & Other Great Standards

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:10

Size: 149.2 MB

Styles: Continental jazz/Classical

Year: 1988

Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Jealousy

[3:38] 2. Tea For Two

[2:52] 3. Limehouse Blues

[3:16] 4. These Foolish Things

[4:06] 5. The Continental

[5:07] 6. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

[3:02] 7. Sweet Sue, Just You

[4:46] 8. Skylark

[4:27] 9. Laura

[2:35] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown

[4:08] 11. I'll Remember April

[3:33] 12. April In Paris

[5:05] 13. The Things We Did Last Summer

[3:35] 14. September In The Rain

[4:38] 15. Autumn Leaves

[4:16] 16. Autumn In New York

[2:55] 17. Button Up Your Overcoat

Grappelli was a master of collaboration and the pure joy and explosive exuberance of that shines through in this wonderful collaboration with Menuhin on some old favorites. The great become even greater when their spirits merge in music. Get it while you still can if it is not already in your collection. ~ Lindsay N. Bowker

Jealousy & Other Great Standards

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Oscar Peterson - Perfect Peterson: Best of the Pablo & Telarc Recordings (Disc 2)

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:24
Size: 173,1 MB
Art: Front

( 8:49)  1. Honeysuckle Rose
(12:09)  2. Kelly's Blues
( 8:55)  3. Wheatland
( 4:50)  4. In A Mellow Tone
( 5:45)  5. Tin Tin Deo
( 8:48)  6. Nighttime
( 6:25)  7. Reunion Blues
( 8:27)  8. Satin Doll
( 7:27)  9. Ja-Da
( 3:47) 10. Morning In Newfoundland

Perfect Peterson: Best of the Pablo & Telarc Recordings (Disc 2)

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