Customer Reviews

Shades of Django

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There have been countless has-beens who've cut an album just to make a buck. As this recording proves, Stephane Grappelli is no has-been and "Shades of Django" is a beautiful listen. Grappelli was eighty-two when he recorded this CD. Despite his age, this music is lively and vibrant. The violin work is nimble and elegant. At times, the violin's speed and accuracy is spellbinding. Only seven years away from his passing, the improvisation sounds as good as Grappelli's work with the Quintette du Hot Club de France. Speaking of his former band, "Shades of Django" fits the Gypsy Jazz genre. In this environment, Stephane Grappelli plays with a stripped down band that satisfies those who always wanted to hear more violin in Django Reinhardt's group. The cover's artwork may suggest a 1960's or 1970's approach, but this is not the case. The production is one of the album's assets as the sound is timeless. While a modern recording, it avoids the sterile feel of some contemporary discs. "Shades of Django" is a dark horse asset in any Gypsy Jazz collection.

Truly a gem. Grappelli's work with Diz Disley's group is phenomenal, from his slow ballads to lightning fast glissando runs, but you already know that. Very little information is available online on the album, although I wish there was more. This is a must-have for any fan of jazz manouche!

This review is only for the purpose of this information... Two of theses songs - "My Heart Stood Still" and "Sweet Lorraine" are used in the Broadway musical "Contact", which won the Tony for Best Musical this year. "Sweet Lorraine" is not on the "Contact" Broadway CD. All of Grappelli's music is refreshing and wonderful to listen to!

This man's virtuosity on the violin never ceases to amaze me. I've never heard anyone else successfully mimic his delightful technique. And this recording is better than its mate --- Afternoon in Paris --- in that fewer of the selections sound like they were played in the next room.
All in all, a recording I'm very glad to add to my collection.

If jazz can be played better, I want to hear it. And this album of jazz is being played by a man who was 82 years old when it was recorded. Listening closely, you may catch the little "tricks" that jazz players love to throw out - just because they can, or maybe just to see if they can get a wry smile from an audience. You'll hear all sorts of emotion...but with so much accuracy that it's nearly impossible to believe that it's coming from an octogenarian. The music flies and jumps off Grappelli's fiddle with pure joy, being exuded...right smack 'in the moment'. If this album doesn't make your toe tap or cause a lift of your eyebrows, check your pulse 'cause you might be dead!