Search - Jon Jarvis, Stephane Grappelli :: Never Never Land

Appealing

David Saemann | 10/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an enigmatic yet pleasant CD. Jon Jarvis is a pianist of formidable chops who is just as happy lending a filigree accompaniment to his partners. At times, he alludes to musical impressionism, and also to minimalism in the spareness of his playing. His guitarist and bassist are both excellent. The trio's largest accomplishment here is a 10 minute version of Georgia On My Mind, which shifts and turns evanescently. A prime incentive for getting this CD is the participation of Stephane Grappelli. His solos on Louise (Every little breeze seems to whisper Louise...) and Body and Soul sound as if they come from a deep well of tradition and inspiration. The sound of Grappelli's violin dominates everything surrounding it. In sum, this is an intriguing album, very well engineered, that will appeal to the musically curious. It also is worth noting the haunting album photos from 1913, entitled Elf-Child."