This collector's CD features violinist
Stephane Grappelli in several settings.
Grappelli takes a number apiece from 1960 and 1961 (both of which are erratically recorded) with European rhythm sections; performs three selections in a swinging quintet with guitarist
Barney Kessel; and plays a heated "After You've Gone" in 1973 with
the Diz Disley Trio. But the majority of this CD is from a 1975 set that matches the violinist with pianist
Johnny Guarnieri, guitarist
Jimmy Shirley (who recorded very infrequently this late in his career), bassist
Slam Stewart and drummer
Jackie Williams. The all-star encounter, which is full of delightful moments, is the main reason to acquire the set.
Parisian Thoroughfare also has a unaccompanied
Grappelli piano solo on " Sysmo," and during "Flonville," the leader is heard overdubbed on both violin and piano. An interesting package of formerly rare material.