Stephane Grappelli loved a challenge and there was none that he loved more than an encounter with a famous American musician. In this case the encounter was with two since Oscar Peterson was supported by Kenny Clarke at the drums, as well as Orsted Pedersen on bass. This rhythm section unsurprisingly set up a formidable swing but Grappelli floats serenely above them, showing that he too had the technique to handle any situation. This 1973 date was only the second occasion on which Grappelli and Peterson had played together and the first had been 16 years earlier. However, they clearly had no problem in establishing common ground and agreeing on an unhackneyed selection of material. The delectable "Flamingo" and "My One and Only Love" are played as slow duets, prefiguring Grappelli's entire session of duets with Earl Hines a year later. Elsewhere the complete rhythm section is in action and they gave Grappelli a satisfaction which he put into words after the session was over, comparing their support with the quality always provided for him by Django Reinhardt many years before. --Graham Colombé