« French violinist Mathilde Febrer’s debut album as a leader pays tribute to the legendary French jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, who died 27 years ago on the first of this month. Recognized for turning the violin into a dynamic, improvisational jazz instrument, he was the first to create an all-strings jazz ensemble, in 1934, with guitarist Django Reinhardt. A tribute album is always challenging, but Febrer succeeds in honoring Grappelli while adding contemporary elements to her playing style.
The twelve enchanting tracks include two of Grappelli’s and four of her originals, recorded with collaborators who are some of today’s best French jazz instrumentalists: guitarist Jean-Marie Ecay (who has worked with Stanley Clarke) adds elegance and complexity; Samy Daussat’s Manouche swing guitar brings an authentic gypsy jazz element; pianist Alain Jean-Marie (whose past collaborations include Chet Baker and Art Farmer) proves an impressive improviser; and bassist Yves Torchinsky and drummer Julien Charlet provide the album’s strong rhythmic foundation. Febrer is technically superb and deeply emotional. All tunes radiate joy and vigor and captivate with their flowing melodies, relaxed execution and danceable swing tracks. Her violin playing leads the melodic themes and sets the mood, whether buoyant, romantic or melancholy.
The familiar standard “I’ll Remember April” (Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) sounds novel and timeless. The musicians’ chemistry and improvisations on the melody are extraordinary and persuasive. The leader’s original “Japan Feeling” is exuberant and cheerful, like walking on a sunny day, and entices listeners to move to the rhythm. The title track refers to French film director Louis Malle’s film for which Grappelli wrote the music. Slow and deliberate, piano, violin and bass create a heartfelt, tender mood, while the phrasing accentuates a swing feeling. When drums and guitar join, the track becomes an even richer tapestry of sound. Febrer gives us quirky, swinging new takes on “Douce France” (Charles Trenet, Léo Chauliac), “The Jitterbug Waltz” (Fats Waller) and “Daphné” (Reinhardt), along with a violin partita by J.S. Bach. Febrer, who can look back on a wide-ranging career performing with many artists (from Led Zeppelin to Charles Aznavour) has given listeners a wonderful gift with this album, and with it proves that she’s a worthy successor to Grappelli.”
By Anna STEEGMANN – NYC JAZZ RECORD
