Stephane Grappelli - The Chronological Classics: 1941-1943 (1994)

Tracklist

01. I Never Knew (2:38)
02. Sweet Sue - Just You (2:34)
03. Tiger Rag (2:30)
04. Stephane's Blues (3:18)
05. Noel Brings the Swing (2:56)
06. Dinah (3:13)
07. Body and Soul (3:22)
08. Jive Bomber (3:21)
09. Margie (2:48)
10. You're the Cream in My Coffee (2:56)
11. Liza (3:06)
12. The Folks Who Live on the Hill (3:29)
13. Stardust (3:31)
14. J'attendrai (Au revoir) (3:28)
15. Weep No More, My Lady (3:06)
16. When I Look at You (3:20)
17. Three O'Clock in the Morning (3:07)
18. That Old Black Magic (3:02)
19. Star Eyes (3:25)
20. Heavenly Music (3:06)
21. I Never Mention Your Name (3:27)
22. My Heart Tells Me (3:11)

This Classics CD reissues some very rare recordings made by violinist Stephane Grappelli: all of his performances as a leader during a difficult three-year period. The violinist had decided to stay in England during World War II (when Django Reinhardt returned to France) and soon had a new group featuring the young pianist George Shearing. This CD has seven sessions with quartets and quintets along with one featuring a larger group that includes other strings and a harp. Although there are vocals on eight of the numbers (by Beryl Davis and Dave Fullerton), the swinging performances and the rarity of the recordings easily compensate.~ Scott Yanow