Jazz

Stephane Grappelli
Live
Producer: Marie-Claude Sirois
Justin Time 8469
Hot, hale, and hearty‹the jazz world lost its King of Joy in 1997 when violinist Stephane Grappelli passed away at the age of 89 after a full career that began in the early '30s with Django Reinhardt, his cohort from the legendary Quintet Of The Hot Club Of France. Well into his 80s, however, Grappelli still toured, and his buoyant, effortless playing never faltered, always pressing his band members (some less than half his age) to swing furiously or be left behind. This remarkable 1994 date from the Rimouski Festijazz pairs the legend with guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and from cut one, "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm," to cut 20, "Lady Be Good," the silver-haired lads not only cut a rug but incinerate the mother as well. Young bassist Jon Burr's playing is superb. Post-New Year's blahs? Try on this one, so hot it sizzles the fingers. Ouch! Zoot alors!

ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO
Coming Home Jamaica
PRODUCERS: Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Gerry Percy
Atlantic 83149
As the title of "Coming Home Jamaica" implies, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago (AEC) recorded its latest brassy excursions on the island. And from the sound of things, it was an inspired sojourn. The AEC channeled some fresh energies, even getting dubwise on the evocative "Strawberry Mango" and investing "Lotta Colada" with a hip-level Caribbean thrust. The 12-minute groove of "Mama Wants You" is blessed by a more Northern brand of soul, yet bassist Malachi Favors and drummer Famoudou Don Moye make it sound like a day at the beach. For all its high spirits, though, the album is blessed by moments of pacific subtlety as well. Trumpeter Lester Bowie and saxist Roscoe Mitchell trade serpentine lines on the bewitching dirge "Leaving Jamaica" (which sounds like a New Orleans funeral slowed to a crawl), and they blow sotto voce on the sunset ballad "Villa Tiamo." Uptempo or down, "Coming Home Jamaica" is an irresistible effort from a treasurable group.