Stéphane Grappelli Albums (62)
What The Critics Say
This follow-up to his earlier duo session with guitarist Marc Fossett is unusual in many ways. Grappelli alternates between violin and piano on his bittersweet ballad "Amanda." Fossett contributed three strong originals, including the opener "Rapid," the happy-go-lucky "Bluesy," and the charming unaccompanied "Improvisation Nocturne." Wrapped within are straight-ahead but brief, familiar crowd-pleasers like "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and a furious "Liza." Only released as an import in the U.S., but worth the search for true Grappelli fans. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Live at Corby Festival Hall May 1975'
Release Date 9/2/2003
Tracks 16
Label Storyville
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What The Critics Say
Stephane Grappelli recorded frequently during the last three decades of his life and previously unissued recordings like this 1975 concert at Corby Festival Hall have continued to turn up. On this occasion the violinist is accompanied by lead guitarist Diz Disley, rhythm guitarist Ike Isaacs and bassist David Moses. The set is fairly typical, concentrating on standards from the 1920s through the 1940s, starting with a chugging but brisk take of "I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me." The marvelous duet by Grappelli and Disley of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," Grappelli's inventive treatment of "(Back Home Again In) Indiana" and the crowd-pleasing "Sweet Georgia Brown" are among the highlights. It is simply amazing that Stephane Grappelli never seemed to go on autopilot as he played a song for the hundredth (or possibly thousandth) time; this CD is a valuable addition to his already vast discography. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For the third recorded meeting between violinists Stephane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin, the rhythm section is joined by some woodwinds on a few of the selections. Grappelli sounds fine but Menuhin's classical technique did not prepare him to improvise and he weighs down the proceedings a bit, making some of the ballads sound too sweet. This LP is therefore a historical curiosity rather than an essential acquisition. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Violinist Stephane Grappelli is paired with pianist Hank Jones for this 1979 session in London, joined by former Duke Ellington bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Alan Dawson. The focus is, not surprisingly, on standards from the 1930s and 1940s, though the quartet brings a fresh sound to each piece. Throughout the date Grappelli seems particularly inspired by his bandmates. The driving opener, "Hallelujah," showcases a fine brushed solo by Dawson, while Jones' dreamy introduction and superb accompaniment makes the melancholy "Yesterdays" pack an even greater emotional punch. The violinist shines with the snappy rhythm section in the strutting take of "Thou Swell," which suggests a rumba. Grappelli's original "Mellow Grapes" is a playful, swinging mid-tempo blues. This Black & Blue CD reissue adds three excellent bonus tracks from a different session where the rhythm section is made up of Sir Roland Hanna, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Duvivier, and Oliver Jackson. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Improvisations'
Release Date 3/23/2001
Tracks 17
Label Universal/Polygram
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What The Critics Say
This is the first of Stephane Grappelli's sessions as a leader during the 1950s to be issued on CD, which is rather surprising given the availability of his work from the last two decades of his life. Grappelli is heard exclusively in a quartet with pianist Maurice Vander, bassist Pierre Michelot, and drummer Baptiste Reilles, except for two takes of "Someone to Watch Over Me," when Vander makes an ill-advised switch to harpsichord. The violinist is not nearly as aggressive as he would become in the decades to follow, seemingly concentrating more on achieving a beautiful tone than dazzling listeners with his considerable abilities as an improviser. Most of the material recorded during these three dates remained in his repertoire for the remainder of his career; with up-tempo selections like "The Lady Is a Tramp" and "'S Wonderful" getting the nod over most of the ballad interpretations. One surprise is the inclusion of Alec Wilder's "I'll Be Around" (listed as previously unreleased but it appeared on a later Barclay LP following the original issue); this may be Grappelli's only recording of this lovely standard. Although this isn't an essential CD for swing fans, the reappearance of this once hard to find music will be welcomed by fans of Stephane Grappelli. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Live in Warsaw: Nuage, Daphne'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 13
Label TIM
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'Live at the Cambridge Folk Festival: The BBC Sessions'
Release Date 7/26/1999
Tracks 11
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What The Critics Say
Violinist Stephane Grappelli had an incredibly long career that extended from around 1933 until his death in 1997; these previously unreleased recordings from two appearances at the Cambridge Folk Festival cover very familiar parts of his repertoire in typically swinging fashion. The bulk of the CD comes from his 1983 performance with a quartet that included Martin Taylor on lead guitar, Marc Fossett on rhythm guitar, and Patrice Caratini on bass. Grappelli is in top form, as are both guitarists (each of whom recorded extensively with the violinist). One strange error is the label's identification of Django Reinhardt's "Are You in the Mood?" as "I'm in the Mood for Love," in spite of the fact that Grappelli actually introduces the piece and its composer to the audience. Guitarists Diz Disley and Denny Wright, along with bassist David Etheridge, join Grappelli in an audience recording of several numbers from a 1973 concert. Although the sound is rather mediocre, the playing is superb. The only other disappointment is that the tape runs out in the middle of the final track, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby." Fans of Stephane Grappelli will immensely enjoy this newly discovered treasure. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
