Since
Joe Venuti was in the middle of a long off-period, this CD reissue features arguably the two top jazz violinists of the 1950s:
Stephane Grappelli and
Stuff Smith. Joined by pianist
Oscar Peterson, guitarist
Herb Ellis, bassist
Ray Brown and drummer
Jo Jones, the two masterful violinists share four songs ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Chapeau Blues," "No Points Today" and "The Lady Is a Tramp") in a fine studio session that contrasts the styles of the fairly complementary fiddlers. In addition, although this set has been reissued under
Grappelli's name, there are three songs from a Paris concert that took place the same day without
Stephane.
Stuff sounds in peak form on his "Desert Sands," "How High the Moon" and "Moonlight In Vermont." This fun set is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow