Description
A superb compilation featuring some of the best recordings by influential guitarist Django Reinhardt with violinist Stephane Grappelli, completely remastered at Abbey Roads Studios for this issue on vinyl. Includes the complete 1946 legendary Abbey Road sessions when Reinhardt and Grappelli were reunited after World War II for the first time.
The sessions were the idea of promoter Charles Delauney who wanted to recreate the duo's famous leQuintettedu Hot Clubde France.As the quintet's regular accompanist were unable to obtain visa in time, a British rhythm section was called in to fill their place:guitarists Jack Llewllyn and Allan Hodgkins, and bassist Coleridge Goode(later known for his work with alto saxophonist, Joe Harriot).The sessions took place on the 31st January and 1st February 1946.
Highlights from the sessions include a rendition of the French national anthem (La Marseillaise), which sprung spontaneously from their fingers in a moment of immediate communion. Others songs of note include Melodie Du Crepuscule, Belleville,and of course, Nuages.
The second part of this collection features the 1947 reformed Paris quintet, this time with Joseph Reinhardt and Eugenes Vees on guitars and Fred Ermelin on double bass. Recorded during a session for Radio Diffusion Francaise, the group's cohesion was at its peak, captured on the spot with a rare sonic presence.
