Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt: After You've Gone
Track
After You've Gone
Artist
Stéphane Grappelli (violin) and Django Reinhardt (guitar)
CD
Djangology 49 (Bluebird 90448)
Musicians:
Stéphane Grappelli (violin), Django Reinhardt (guitar),
Gianni Safred (piano), Carlo Recori (bass), Aurelio de Cavolis (drums)
.Composed by Henry Creamer and Turner Layton
.Recorded: Rome, January or February, 1949
Rating: 96/100 (learn more)
The start of World War II broke up the popular Quintette du Hot Club de France, then touring England, with Stéphane Grappelli remaining in London for the duration of the conflict, while Django Reinhardt returned to France. Beginning in 1946, the two reunited periodically up until their last recordings in Italy in 1949. As one hears on this track from those final sessions, their playing by then had taken on a new level of assuredness and virtuosity, no doubt indirectly influenced by the innovations of bebop. Except for the pianist's brief intro, the Italian rhythm section goes almost unnoticed. It is the astonishing, swiftly executed solos of both leaders, as well as Django's almost manic rhythm guitar support for Stéphane, that nearly overwhelm the listener. It would be another 20 years before Grappelli's popularity began to accelerate, and it continued to do so for almost another 30 years after that. Django, alas, would drift through the next, and last, four frustrating years of his life.
Reviewer: Scott Albin
Tags: 1940s jazz · after you've gone · guitar · gypsy jazz · violin
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