Stephane Grappelli - A Life In Jazz
by Paul Balmer

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Book Reviews of Stephane Grappelli - A Life In Jazz

Book Review: Heart-warming
Summary: 4 Stars

The writing style is somewhat routine throughout much of the book, written in much the same way a 6th form student would write an essay for coursework, which makes it rather understated. Nevertheless Balmer's research seems faultless and his ability to put the facts together gives a masterful and logical route through a mass of history. The photos support the text really well. However, although I would gladly recommend the book to anyone who falls in love with the music, I feel it needs some support to put the spark of life into the writing, just in the same way that Yehudi Menuhin could not bring the same life to the music that SG did. HOWEVER... there is a DVD set to accompany the book - don't expect hours of archive music recording, but it is a brilliant documentary with interviews, clips and the excellent research that underpins the book. I suggest you watch the DVD to grasp the passion, then read the book for the detail, that way they both come alive & the reader burns for more. The book & DVD are excellent partners, but the book feels rather flat without it's masterful companion.

Buy them both! Now smile! Now, visit the CD collection & build a library that will endure throughout time.

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