Stephane Grappelli / Michel Petrucciani Flamingo CD - Import

This CD features a logical combination of two talented Frenchmen, violinist Stéphane Grappelli and pianist Michel Petrucciani, who had never recorded together before. With the assistance of bassist George Mraz and drummer Roy Haynes, the co-leaders romp on a variety of standards. Petrucciani was 32 at the time of this June 1995 set, a mere child compared to the 87-year-old Grappelli. Despite his age, Grappelli's violin playing sounds as youthful and enthusiastic as it had been in the 1930s; the 60 years of practice had not hurt. While Petrucciani's music is usually in the Bill Evans post-bop vein, he was happy to visit Grappelli's turf on this occasion, mostly playing veteran standards. On such songs as "Sweet Georgia Brown," "How About You" (here mistitled "I Love New York in June"), "I Remember April," and "There Will Never Be Another You," Stephane Grappelli is both joyful and masterful. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Studios Davout, Paris, France from June 15-17, 1996.

Full performer name: Stephane Grappelli/Michel Petrucciani.

Personnel: Stephane Grappelli (violin); Michel Petrucciani (piano); George Mraz (bass); Roy Haynes (drums).

Producers: Francis Dreyfus, Yves Chamberland.

Personnel: Stéphane Grappelli (violin); Michel Petrucciani (piano); Roy Haynes (drums).

Liner Note Author: Michel Petrucciani.

Recording information: Studios Davout, Paris, France (06/15/1995-06/17/1995).

Photographers: William Laxton; Jean Ber.Down Beat (2/97, p.44) - 4.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...astounding....Octagenarian or no, this cat can still play....Grappelli's natural gift for tone and phrasing is sublime and the listener is left in awe..."