For Stéphane (Stéphane Grappelli Centenial)

Stéphane Grappelli is a major musician in the history of music. It?s impossible for his name to disappear from our collective memory. I remember him with great tenderness, and I admired him immensely. He always used to call me his ?grandson? and, for me, he was the grandfather I no longer had. This record was a way to bring all of us together again, all the musicians and friends who loved him so much, and revive his memory in our minds. Didier LOCKWOOD When he recorded this album in 2008 to cel brate Stéphane Grappelli?s centennial year, Didier Lockwood put together a fantastic band comprising the cream of French jazz. Every one of these musicians, from Martial Solal to Romane, dedicated his artistry to impressions and memories of the violinist whose bow marked a whole era in jazz before his passing in 1997. And the result is a CD where all forms of jazz blend together in a great tribute to Grappelli and his universe. This homage is accompanied by a bonus CD with videos and interviews highlighting the wonderful enthusiasm and passion that went into the making of this album. Augustin BONDOUX & Patrick FRÉMEAUX