For his debut CD on the Philadelphia-based budget-label Naxos, violinist
Dennis DeLuca alternates back and forth between swing and jazzy funk, as if he cannot make his mind whether to be
Stephane Grappelli or
Jean-Luc Ponty. Actually
DeLuca plays quite well in both contexts, making one wonder why he is so obscure. The violinist is backed by a couple of different rhythm sections (all of whom deserve to be identified) but quite inexcusably, the personnel is not listed. Despite that reservation, this set is worth picking up. Highlights include "Night and Day," "Ain't Misbehavin'," and "Fascinating Rhythm." ~ Scott Yanow