To call Jazz In Paris--Stephane Grappelli Qt, Vol.2 consummately professional is not to damn it with faint praise but to celebrate its unpretentious élan and timeless lyricism. The four protagonists, each an absolute master of his instrument, could have made a more than decent fist of this date even if their interest in it had been slight; however, their sheer delight is palpable. Grappelli has never sounded more relaxed or cogent--even on those historic Reinhardt sides--while Peterson is once again the perfect accompanist, both apposite and probing; unsurprisingly, he solos quite beautifully as well. The then-youthful Pedersen is resonant and pulsating and Clarke demonstrates anew that the greatest drummers combine incendiary power with subtle grace: only Blakey and Roach matched him in that respect and his brushwork here is alone worth the price of the CD. All six cuts abound in riches but if you want to sample, go for "Autumn Leaves"--a song that invariably brought out the best in both leaders--or the nine-minute "Blues For Musidisc", an exquisite mélange of earthy power and melodious invention. Above all, this is a jazz record for all seasons. --Richard Palmer