Sunday Music Muse Day - John McLaughlin, Stephane Grappelli with Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine

This Sunday Music Muse day has me visiting several favorite guitarists and a true legend of jazz violin with a French connection.  First up, John McLaughlin The Heart of Things - Live in Paris.  This is live date featuring the material and almost the same personal of the studio CD of the same name.  I have to admit it's not the most memorable of McLaughlin's recordings, but still worth a listen.

My second selection is Stephane Grappelli Young Django, a CD in tribute to Django Reinhardt, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist that with Stephane Grappelli performed in the Quintette du Hot Club de France in the 1920s and 30s as the most influential band in history of  European jazz. Django's playing definitely inspired the two guitarists here, Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine, who "chose the tunes for this record...some of Django's and Stephane's most beautiful compositions." I remember seeing a vinyl record of this in a import section back in the 70's but it was too expensive for my poor starving artist budget at the time. It's nice to finally own.

Enjoy.

Belated Sunday Music Muse Day. - Django Reinhardt, Gerry Mulligan

For a belated Sunday Music Day for this Memorial Day weekend I'll be finding time to enjoy two classic jazz players.  First up, Django Reinhardt - Djangology , "...and the Quintet of the Hot Club of  France with Stephane Grappelly". Actually, Grappelli's name is misspelled on the cover.  This album was the first post-World War II recording with the fame violinist. Their first recordings that made them famous were done the 1934.  The breakout of WWII forced the group band, but Django and Grappelli reunited after the war. Django's life story and career is worth reading about. His music and impact on jazz guitar is unrivaled.

Next, is The Gerry Mulligan Quartets in Concert.  Gerry Mulligan is known as legend in the West Coast Jazz scene of the 1950s and '60s.  I admit coming late to enjoying his playing.  I've actually come to enjoy the sound of the baritone sax more than alto and soprano sax, and Mulligan is a master. This is a live dated produced my legendary producer Norman Granz, who also does the introduction on  the date. 

All in all, a pleasant weekend. Enjoy.