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