STEPHANE GRAPPELLI
Vintage Grappelli (Concord Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Is there a more joyous sound in all of jazz than Stephane Grappelli's violin playing? Hearing Grappelli, my mood instantly lightens and I feel elated and as light as a feather. Grappelli has played jazz, mostly of the swing genre, for many years; in 1934 he teamed with Django Reinhardt to form the Quintet of the Hot Club and stunned the jazz world. Since then Grappelli, predominately self taught, has produced albums of classic jazz filled with his warm and evocative sound.

Vintage Grappelli, another excellent twofer from Concord Records, combines two previously released albums into one disc. Disc One, At The Winery, is a live 1980 outdoor concert featuring Grappelli on violin and electric viola, John Etheridge on guitar, Martin Taylor also on guitar, and Jack Sewing on bass. Disc Two, Vintage 1981, showcases Grappelli on violin and fender rhodes, Mark Gari on guitar, Martin Taylor once again on guitar, and Jack Sewing on bass. As you can guess, guitars are vitally important to Grappelli's music.

Grappelli has a way with established standards, making them sound vibrant and alive. In his hands, songs such as "Willow Weep For Me," "Let's Fall In Love," and "I Can't Get Started" sparkle with originality and exuberance. In addition, Grappelli takes two Stevie Wonder tunes, "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" and "Isn't She Lovely" and transforms them into instant jazz classics.

Grappelli could play his chosen instrument as well as anyone, but no one could quite sound as ecstatic as he. Vintage Grapelli is packed full of great music by a true master of jazz. Do yourself a favor and purchase a copy. Daily life needs more moments of transcendence and joy. This cd delivers better than the post office.

© 2002 - Ron Saranich