Swingin' Sounds

One of the greatest jazz violinists of all time, Stéphane Grappelli also became one of the best known in his later years due to his constant travels and prolific series of recordings. Although originally famous for his association with guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s, Grappelli continued to grow as a swinging improviser throughout his 89 years.

Born in Paris in 1908, Grappelli was classically trained but self-taught as a jazz player. After meeting Django Reinhardt, they formed the classic Quintet of the Hot Club of France which performed memorably during 1933-39. The group broke up at the outset of World War II, although Grappelli and Reinhardt had some recorded reunions during 1946-49. The violinist, who had a group with pianist George Shearing in the early 1940s, worked regularly in Europe for decades. When he began traveling all around the world in the mid-1970s, it greatly increased his fame and his variety of playing experiences. Along the way he recorded with everyone from Earl Hines and Oscar Peterson to McCoy Tyner and David Grisman.

Olympia 1988 features Grappelli in a quartet with guitarists Marc Fosset and Martin Taylor plus bassist Patrice Caratini. Pianist Martial Solal guests on four selections including two duets with the violinist ("I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Swing 42") while violinist Svend Asmussen sits in with the group on a medley of "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "I Got Rhythm."

Stéphane Grappelli is in enthusiastic and creative form throughout these swinging performances, playing some of his favorite swing standards. The result is a set of consistently delightful music.

—Scott Yanow