Grappelli With Strings

In his autobiography (Profession Musicien, Editions de La Martinière, 2004), Sacha Distel talks about this period, recalling his contribution to the revival of Grappelli's career: "Many musicians have talent, some have charm, but Stéphane had magic (...) I can see him at a Mâcon wine festival, tuning his violin in front of an audience which made that of the Hilton look like groupies. On that occasion, I admit I was worried for him, worried that he might suddenly discover that his music left certain

people cold. I closed my eyes and Stéphane began to play. Conversations and laughter ceased. He continued amidst total silence, without looking at the audience and without any effect. At the end, people stood up and applauded, just as they always did (...) There are not many things in my life I am proud of, but the revival of the

career of the greatest post-war jazz violinist is one of the few acts I am happy to have accomplished." Let us render unto Sacha.