Stephane Grappeli

The words "eclectic" and "virtuosic" describe not only the works selected for this CD, but also the artists who perform them: trumpeter Stéphane Beaulac and organist Vincent Boucher. The works recorded here are those they have selected to perform in their Concerts Desjardins series of touring concerts, which is organized by Jeunesses musicales du Canada, and which will continue to be presented in various parts of Quebec until summer 2006. The selection on this CD recalls the legendary pairs of musicians who first made this repertoire so celebrated: Maurice André and Marie-Claire Alain, or Roger Delmotte and Pierre Cochereau (it was to the latter that Georges Delerue dedicated his Sonate.)

It's obvious that this CD was marketed to the classical crowd first by its packaging and use of CBS rather than the Columbia label. Don't let that fool you; this is a jazz session with the renowned classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma joining the fun. The emphasis is on the music of Cole Porter, which was very familiar ground to Grappelli long before the session took place. The sparkling performances of the violinist throughout the date should be no surprise. The cellist seems to be gradually getting his feet wet on the opening title track, but becomes more prominent on "Easy to Love" and cuts loose on "I Concentrate On You"…