Stephane Grappelli with Martin Taylor's Spirit of Django - Celebrating Grappelli (1998) [Linn]

Review by Ken Dryden
Celebrating Grappelli was issued shortly after the legendary jazz violinist's death on December 1, 1997; it is actually under guitarist Martin Taylor's leadership, with Grappelli as an overdubbed guest on three tracks plus three duets repeated from their Reunion CD recorded in 1993. This tribute was conceived by Taylor for his Spirit of Django Band as a way of honoring the violinist. A number of standards long associated with Grappelli's repertoire are included: a re-creation of the 1934 arrangement of "Undecided," with Grappelli and Taylor joined by singer Claire Martin and the band. The violinist still swings effortlessly on "Chicago" and "Dinah." The remainder of the release features Taylor with his band; the best tracks include the samba-flavored "Years Apart," written by Taylor and Martin, and Taylor's duet with Jack Emblow on accordion on the lovely "Manoir de Mes Reves."

Track list:
01 Chicago
02 The Gypsy
03 Undecided
04 I can't Give You Anything But Love
05 Jive At Five
06 Dinah
07 Musette For A Magpie
08 It's Only A Paper Moon
09 Years Apart
10 Sweet Sue, Just You
11 Willow Weep For Me
12 Manoir De Mes Reves