Jazz in Paris: Oscar Peterson-Stephanie Grapelli Quartet, Vol. 1

Artist: Oscar Peterson & Stephanie Grapelli Quartet
Label: Gitanes Jazz
Availability: In stock
Item #: 20982878

Available in U.S. only.

Member Price: $10.98

Review

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., All Music Guide

Read About This Recording

It is an understatement to say that Oscar Peterson is one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. A remarkable virtuoso, Peterson plays in an unclassifiable style between swing and bop. Although he has the technique of an Art Tatum, O.P. has long had his own sound and no pianist can outswing him.

Born in Montreal in 1925, Peterson started having classical piano lessons when he was six. He developed quickly, won a talent show when he was 14 and was soon being featured on a weekly radio show. While still a teenager, he worked professionally with the Johnny Holmes Orchestra and made his first recordings in 1945.

Jazz In Paris is a very rare meeting of Peterson with the great swing violinist Stephane Grappelli from 1973. Stimulating support is given by bassist Niels Pederson and drummer Kenny Clarke as Peterson and Grappelli match wits and ideas on joyful renditions of such numbers as Them There Eyes, Makin' Whoopee and Thou Swell. Grappelli, who became famous for playing with Django Reinhardt in the 1930s, was one of jazz's major violinists for 60 years and he sounds particularly inspired during this historic summit.

Oscar Peterson has continued performing as one of jazz's true giants up to the present time, continuing to tour the world with his groups. Jazz In Paris gives listeners a strong sampling of his playing.

-Scott Yanow

Them There Eyes; Flamingo; Makin' Whoopee; Looking At You; Walkin' My Baby Back Home; My One and Only Love; Thou Swell.

Oscar Peterson, Piano; Stephane Grappelli, Violin; Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Double Bass; Kenny Clarke, Drums.

Tracks + Soundclips

Jazz in Paris: Oscar Peterson-Stephanie Grapelli Quartet, Vol. 1
	1. Them There Eyes	4:50
	2. Flamingo	5:38
	3. Makin' Whoopee	4:37
	4. Looking at You	4:45
	5. Walkin' My Baby Back Home	5:02
	6. My One and Only Love	9:48
	7. Thou Swell	4:37