At the time that this encounter between two of the greatest-ever jazz violinists took place, Stéphane Grappelli was having a renaissance in his career, starting to constantly travel the world, while Jean-Luc Ponty was gaining fame for his playing with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Although Ponty was still a year away from leading his own fusion group, his style and sound were already largely set. But, despite their difference in backgrounds, Ponty and Grappelli found a lot of common ground on this set due to their brilliant techniques and mutual respect. With assistance from keyboardist Maurice Vander, guitarist Philip Catherine, bassist Tony Bonfils and drummer André Ceccarelli, the outing (last available domestically as an Inner City LP) is an example of Grappelli meeting Ponty on his own turf. The younger violinist wrote and arranged all five songs, which include "Bowing-Bowing," "Memorial Jam for Stuff Smith," and "Violin Summit No. 2." Although the music leans closer to fusion than to swing, Grappelli fits in surprisingly well. A very interesting set. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
