JEAN-LUC PONTY — Jazz Violin Summit (With Stephane Grappelli And Stuff Smith) (review)

JEAN-LUC PONTY — Jazz Violin Summit (With Stephane Grappelli And Stuff Smith) album cover Boxset / Compilation · 1999 · Swing Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Slartibartfast
This album is a real odd bird. I found the LP many years ago in a bin at a salvage store. The credits were rather poor on the LP as they are also on the 1999 CD release. I welcome anyone out there who has better information on this album to send in an update for the entry of this because I'd really like to know more about it.

It's listed on Jean Luc's web site as "Violin Summit" 1966, which is correct for the last six tracks (second side of the LP). The first five tracks are what are really of interest to most Ponty fans. The first five tracks are obviously not from 1966 but most likely from the early 70's, judging from the style of the music. One of the biggest clues here is track three - Memorial Jam for Stuff Smith, who died in 1967.

Some interesting footnotes, Stuff Smith is credited in the liner notes as being "one of the first to play amplified violin". Grappelli was one of the masters of Jazz violin most famous for playing with Django Reinhart in the Hot Club of France band. I had the honor of shaking his hand at his trailer when he played at Chastain Park, Atlanta many years ago!

I've been enjoying this album's music for many years (first side mainly) and it's certainly a must have for Ponty fans. Obscure yet obtainable.

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