Essential

True Grappelli fans know the various phases of Stephane's career. The early years with Django, the post-Django era where Stephane played mostly in hotels and restaurants with jazz combos featuring drums and piano, and the post-1973 era where he gained international recognition playing with guitarists again like Martin Taylor, Diz Dizley, and Mark Fosset sans drums and piano. This album was recorded in 1971 and fits into the second category.

If you're into the "nightclub" Stephane then you'll love this album. It reminds me of the lineup he had during WWII with George Shearing on piano. Marc Hemmeler does a great job on piano assisted by Kenny Clare on drums and Eberhard Weber on upright bass. This is a studio recording as opposed to the live recordings which were so numerous in the post-1973 era, and is therefore a bit more on the polished and structured side. Those of us who love to hear him improvise with wreckless abandon as he tended to do in a live performance can't help but notice that something is missing here, and yet the results are so tasteful you really feel guilty for complaining.

My favorite cut is probably #7 - Manoir De Mes Reves/Daphne which were composed by Django Reinhardt. This is vintage Stephane, starting off with a slow, melodic piano accompaniment that transforms into a swinging tribute to a lady friend of the Hot Club Quintet.

Picture yourself in a smoky jazz club around 1970 with your sophisticated friends soaking in the avant-garde artistry of a musical legend while downing a few cocktails and discussing world events. No music would be more fitting than the contents of this recording.

This music is pure enjoyment. The joyfull afternoon in paris; you can tap your feet while watching people from a sidewalk cafe. This was the first CD by Stephane Grapelli I bought. I knew of him and his association with Django Reinhardt but never explored their music before. Stephane swings, he can be lyrical, witty and full of grace. The sound of his violing just lightens up the room. You might be surprised by bassist Eberhard Weber, if you know him from his later solo ECM efforts, and his solid ability to do the "walking". This music passes every test, whether you listen attentively, feel like dancing or doing the ironing.

I really like Jazz Music, and one of my favorite Jazz musicians are Stephane Grappelli, who as far as I know was the "King of Jazz Violin." I listened to his album, Afternoon in Paris, and some of the songs such as Autumn Leaves, at it's speed get me in a jazz/swing dancing mood. Some other songs, such as Misty, sooth and relax me. If you are a jazz fan, and you have not yet listened to this album, rush to the nearest record store and buy it-immediately! "Ce Est Une GRAND Album!!!!!"