Search - Stephane Grappelli :: Live at the Blue Note

Grappelli - master of jazz violin in a rare Telarc recording

Michael Schelb | Boca Raton, FL United States | 10/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stephane Grappelli was one of the masters of the jazz violin. In this wonderful Telarc recording one can witness the master's playfulness, charm and talent as he plays before an appreciative and polite audience. I was surprised at the recording quality of the CD - the warmth of reproducing string usually requires vinyl, a VPI turntable and a Jadis tube amp - however this reproduction has a less digital and more natural sound. An enjoyable CD - highly recommended in terms of Grappelli's talent as well as it's engineering."

Exciting

David Saemann | 04/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The pairing of Stephane Grappelli and Bucky Pizzarelli is a marriage made in heaven. Grappelli was 87 when this CD was released, but his playing remains suave, wonderfully inventive, and technically assured. Pizzarelli's playing is the best I've ever heard from him: exciting and lyrical, with the ability to turn on a dime. In sum, this is a wonderful live album. There are some Grappelli standards, such as Honeysuckle Rose and Sweet Georgia Brown, both of which receive well honed readings. The sound engineering is quite good for a live CD--Grappelli's tone is full bodied at all times, with just the slightest lack of resonance, although this being a live preformance he is close miked after all. Pizzarelli's sound has much inflection and excitement, and the blend with Grappelli, both interpretively and sonically, is excellent. This is a prime example of Grappelli's art."