Stephane Grappelli - It Had To Be You (Grand Opera House, Belfast 1986))

Stephane Grappelli in The Grand Opera House, Belfast in April 1986. With Martin Taylor and Louis Stewart on guitars and Jack Sewing on double bass.

[@GaryMCurran]

Think about this. Four instruments, twenty strings, eight hands, and what a wonderful amount of music that came from putting that together with accomplished musicians.

[@jamesshubert4866]

If this doesn't put a smile on your face there's something wrong with you.

[@marilynstevenson865]

A beautiful, talented kind man..I drove through a rainstorm..with a blinding headache just to see him..Sephane Grappelli soothed my soul..

[@RalphDratman]

Please be careful! Rain and blinding headache might not be an entirely safe combination, eh?

[@marilynstevenson865]

@@RalphDratman Hallo Ralph..,yes, it was a foolish thing to do...I was much younger then, much more confident..much more foolish...cheers..

[@RalphDratman]

@@marilynstevenson865 I'm glad you made it through to tell the tale.

[@marilynstevenson865]

Ralph Dratman hi Ralph.. yep

[@sofiablakey6454]

Stephan Grapelli is a world talent on his Jazz violin!!! This is a magnificent!!!

[@anthonycilano9694]

I saw Stephane twice in Buffalo, NY in the 1980s. It was a wonderful, unforgetable experience. He was so great, always with a twinkle in his eyes. Loved it.

[@joannemarie1371]

How can countries be at war with one another, how can we be at war with ourselves, with such joy and beauty in the air? May love and peace blossoms fall upon us all, like these beautiful musicians do for us...

[@elipsis000]

...touching the sky...

[@GlenStace]

These guys literally make peace. :-)

[@johnchoquette5695]

Because the average human being is dumber than a bag of hammers ?

[@AndreasDelleske]

In order to not fight wars, step 1 is only use renewable energy. Step 2 is to have no religion Step 3 is distribute money fairly.

[@sofiablakey6454]

Music chooses the divide in all cultures no matter the diversity it transcends it all!! It’s lovely!!!

[@MrDonaldmaddog]

Great art needs no explaining. If one thinks of this as nostalgia, then so be it. We just-don't-CARE. Beauty is TIMELESS. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of young musicians who love this music and are keeping the flame alive.

[@gregw4303]

This has to be one of the nicest openings to a song...it’s really nice 🎶 😌

[@craigspencer2927]

How can you not love this guy and his music!!

[@SuperHeops]

Stephane Grappelli is just a Master on that violin! Hands down.

[@michaelm.520]

I thought Stephane played the guitar and its Yehudi that plays the violin but maybe they changed for 'It had to be you

[@cathydew]

I love that intro/verse part, I've hardly ever heard it done. They do it so beautifully.

[@sergedeswetschin1372]

😂 il n y a pas mieux la quintescence d un merveilleux jazz

[@liamkelly8834]

That’s fellow Dubliner Louis Stewart on guitar, he used to play in my old man’s pub on Dublin docks. Smashing bloke.

[@jerombird1614]

I had the great chance to learn guitare with a wonderful french teacher, called François Sauzet who played with Stéphane Grappelli. Mister Sauzet passed away this year of 2024. But one of my best friend, Loïc is his grand child. Peace to all thèse wonderful human beings. And Peace on Hearth. Love from France 🙏☮️🕊️🌻🎸

[@Paladino774]

He Was Just So Spectacular For His Entire Career!

[@alanroberts8077]

I was fortunate to be at this concert in Lichfield,just very special.

[@barlart]

I saw Stephane Grappelli live in a Cambridge UK jazz club with guitarist Diz Disley when I was very young in 1974 (I think). They and their ensemble were truly amazing.

[@alanmoore2724]

I had the great pleasure of seeing him live on 2 occasions - the last not long before he passed away. He had to be helped on stage but once he picked up the violin, then WOW!

[@rodneyalexander5006]

Privileged indeed and an everlasting memory no doubt

[@tomacei8dd]

With Ireland’s great guitarist Louis Stewart R.I.P.

[@RedClayFH]

The great Louis Stewart indeed. I miss his intimate performances. Such a modest, witty gentleman.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Music from heaven.

[@itstuff4744]

Quelle merveille !

[@alanblackwood1]

Such joyous playing

[@ztahs]

Ah, the Master at work. I first heard STephane and Django as a kid back in the 60's and I've never stopped listening to their music. It just never gets old. His playing is so beautifully melodic.

[@davidlogansr8007]

Arthur Shatz since Django Rheinhardt died in about 1954, it would have been very difficult to have seen him in the 1960’s, unless it was on film?

[@matthewgoldberg1461]

From your cousin, Matt. The Scottish guitarist on the left, Martin Taylor, is alive in his 60's, and grew into the next Joe Pass. Oh, and thanks for taking me to hear B.B King -- I was never the same. --Matt

[@jean-lucbersou758]

@@davidlogansr8007 TO HEAR IS NOT TO SEE . !!! in the sixties vinyl records were up to date !!!

[@ThomasHALL-fo2pi]

Gone but not forgotten. Absolute genius Stephane and his company. Bravo Bravo 👏

[@MrAnderswt]

I´m very glad to have seen Grappelli live.What a great musician!

[@Wikingerweiblein]

They tell us a story with their music. Great.

[@stevecole3192]

Oh my soul. I stumbled upon this and my day will be brighter now. I love this song and this may be the best performance I've ever heard. What truly gifted musicians. May the Lord bless you all and the world too.

[@pamtebelman2321]

Agreed! and may the Lord bless you as well!

[@stevecole3192]

@@pamtebelman2321 Thank you Pam. Blessings~

[@robobrien7656]

Beauty in this art form captures our sensibilities like no other . Letting them return to anything that could be considered remotely normal , well, there in lies the rub . Simply and thankfully glorious .

[@steveegallo3384]

Mediocrity and Malice are Normal, too. Music inheres in some non-human sphere. Enjoy....from San Agustinillo, Oaxaca!

[@althejazz]

Stephane always made it look so easy and what a delightful man he was.

[@TheGypsyblue]

I fell in love with Stephane Grappelli in the mid-80s when Paco de Nada took me to the PA Friends of Jazz evening as our first official "Date." The rest were not official, just fun. When Grappelli made the violin cry, I did, too. And when he walked over to the white piano and played everything that was in my soul, I was hooked forever. What a beautiful and talented gentleman. Thank you, Paco, and thank you Zuny/

[@colliedogboy]

Stephane's music is magical. It is so perfect, I don't know how it is possible. But there it is. Thank the Lord God for giving Stephane the music and thank Stephane for using it for the benefit of us all.

[@richardgornalle4536]

Beautiful. As good as it gets. Great old standard.

[@alexdesslin]

no comment, c'est la classe parfaite !

[@michaelhutchinson9413]

What a wonderful rendition of “It had to be you”. Martin and Jack-you are the “glue “ that keeps this baby swinging easy!

[@TheDrago500]

C'est magique ! tout simplement superbe !

[@coralhill7593]

Just wonderful, so emotive, this is hairs on the back of your neck territory, just loved this exceptional artist, there will never be anyone who comes close, God rest you Stepphan, you are sorely missed.

[@ChaStewFiddle]

That introduction slays me! Every note is perfect.

[@pamtebelman2321]

Every not played with perfection. His intonation is incredible! He makes it looks so easy like he was born with a violin in his hands.

[@bingo1232]

You can tell yhat the Man is made of music, eats & drinks it...…………. and always has. Much love from USA!!

[@nyclion13]

Grappelli, Lange, Venuti and Django. So special and inspirational to a legion of musicians.

[@glennlopez6772]

Nice sense of melody! Something to learn from!

[@danaapolonio3909]

I'm going to cry from overwhelming joy.

[@bro6903]

Dana Apolonio I witnessed him in Munich in 1995. He is expanding love and beauty all way long.

[@charlesbarry971]

Stephanie Grappelli; A legend.

[@duograppelli6984]

They really can make their music touch our hearts...

[@peterfeltham8065]

Loved listening to this consumate artist for the past 60 yrs.

[@martafarion6469]

Stephane Grappelli - one of the greatest of the greats! In 1983 I walked into Cafe Americane in Chicago not knowing who was playing, and there he was playing. I was mesmerized, paralyzed, totally enveloped by his genius. A moment in life I never forget. Thank you Stephane Grappelli for sharing your talent with the world.

[@alweywong4822]

The two guitarists are tops.

[@RETURNTOSABBATH]

Blows me away....Wonderful!!

[@haroldbregman2102]

What a talent. They don't make them like him anymore

[@thomasbernecky2078]

I saw him play at the Keswick Theater in PhilaPA shortly before he passed, and though he he played in a wheelchair, it was one of the best concerts I ever saw, and when you heard that sweet voice of his violin, that quickly became unimportant. What a marvelous man.

[@justintrowbridge3948]

His playing in a wheelchair in his final days of life ressurects his life to the world

[@lasserrejeanclaude]

qu'es ce qu'il nous manque ton violon magique Stephane RIP

[@stevesmith6685]

"It Had To Be You." My wedding song with my bride which we will hit our 40th anniversary in October of this year. This is an update of the 1980 update from Frank Sinatra. God bless Stephane and his musicians and God bless Frank and his.

[@glm6581]

The first time I met this great artist was in 1970 at Brunel University. Memorable ocassion.

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

Brunei? WoW! One wonders about the travels of this man and the wizard responsible for his itinerary!

[@glm6581]

Most of the famous are almost impossible to approach but not “our genius”. He is friendly, kind and helpful. When it comes to music there is no barrier, but one has to be good and sincere to say “hello” to him.

[@glm6581]

By the way, it was not Brunei, it was BRUNEL UNIVERSITY, UXBRIDGE, UK.

[@dukemd69]

There go the strings of my heart.......alive.

[@anthonyoland295]

This incredible artist, a must hear for every ear!

[@davidlogansr8007]

Zing go the strings of my heart

[@loreleiward5398]

Saw him long time ago in Cambridge wonderful .

[@petervreeland1843]

GRAPPELLI IS A LIVING Legend So good virtuoos Gr. Salomon Amsterdam

[@alanblackwood1]

And it still is one year later, Merci Stephane! Alan in London

[@mariuszbielecki897]

Grappelli to był fenomenalny skrzypek światowej sławy Cześć Jego pamięci

[@newmedstudent]

Sends a chill up your spine does it not?

[@chandrakavi]

Wonderful music straight to the heart!

[@colink4823]

Virtuosity at its very best

[@bperezgomez]

Maravilloso! Soul and serendipity...

[@gerryflynn6204]

That’s ecstasy Wow

[@Muthaphuckka]

I think it takes time to understand the genious of these masters, time that many people don't have. If you are dissatisfied with the system or the music business, start a revolution. If you have better things to do, then at least try to understand other people's perspective and try to find ways to open their ears so they can understand your perspective better. Nostalgia never brought anyone anywhere, understanding can bring us miles ahead (no pun intended).

[@pamweinberg1212]

I love this, especially on my date night with hubby. ♥️😉

[@padraicdebhaldraithe2331]

I used go to the Fox Inn in Ashbourne, Co Meath to listen to Louis Stewart play in the 1960s. The audience was small but very appreciative.

[@johnporter5925]

Elia Bastida does a wonderful rendition of this classic with Chamorro’s SAJB. Stays true to this arrangement.

[@florencesewingperole7353]

Was rocked all my childhood with these melodies... thanks dad!!!

[@leslieshoeb7240]

The wonderful Louis Stewart r.i.p. thank you . Leslie j.

[@filsgreen]

I love Stephane his playing and attitude was so joyous.

[@davidsmith172]

Yes Joyous!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Yes, his love and joy of music really comes through. He always has a smile on his face, like a man in love.

[@goral705]

Joyous and Elegance

[@adoreslaurel]

Had the privilege of seeing him with the Diz Disley Trio in OZ in the 70's.

[@chloeharbinson8474]

john brown lł.

[@jimcrawford5039]

john brown me too, Dallas Brooks Hall in Melbourne. What a concert!

[@denisgriffiths70]

Singing violin amazing pulls heart strings when he plays starts slow when Stephan plays easy then he goes to genius plays like Louis Stewart I was right great Irish musician

[@pamtebelman2321]

Yes, his playing sounds just like singing, and his intonation was impeccable, just like a singer who gets all the notes exactly on right on key!

[@gersongastaldi3902]

Não se fazem mais quartetos como esse. O jazz ficou órfão desses gênios ritmistas. Talvez uma nova safra de músicos nos próximos anos venha repor esta lacuna.

[@bobbybudmaker1125]

Beyond words... WOW!

[@GliArchimedi]

Fantastic!

[@streetlegal008]

This is a nice one. I saw Stephane in concert playing along with Martin Taylor at the National Concert Hall in Dublin - I think in 1984. I never saw Louis Stewart playing when I was in Dublin - but great to see him playing along with Stephane here.

[@michaelchapman4955]

I caught Grappelli at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles 80s & Wow!......

[@zoricamaksimovic4429]

I call this Blessing!!!!!!!!

[@gbrinch]

Saw Grapelli live in Salzburg in August 88 he was still dynamite!

[@MarkGibsonrmarkgibson]

Wonderful. I was fortunate enough to see Stephane live in Australia at about this time,

[@adoreslaurel]

I wonder if that was with the Dis Disley combo, I saw them at Dallas Brooks Hall.

[@FedeMor]

maravillosa interpretación de stephane

[@davidsmith172]

If I could have one moment in life, it would have been to be one of those artists on that stage before that audience...unless I could have been Sinatra....pure bliss, Joseph Campbell

[@claudiaglacken3033]

Absolutely wonderful. Bravo!!

[@bingo1232]

This man knows how to work the blue notes!!!!

[@rayvalencia6726]

The Hot Club would have played this a lot faster in the 30’s. Just an observation, not criticism. Always wonderful to listen to Stephane Grappelli play. So smooth. .

[@orchardist6529]

Tear filling joy. Thank you for sharing.

[@pamtebelman2321]

Me, too, it's incredible!

[@gabri3l367]

Louis Stewart mio grande idolo. Che assolo ragazzi. Vera improvvisazione jazz.

[@jayherzog7683]

The master of them all......

[@evantvede6452]

More than good. Superb.

[@GlenStace]

Stephane so sweet and so blue!

[@jeanandrrsen894]

Beautiful. The greatest.

[@oscarlfem]

QUE GRAN MAESTRO,EN UNA DE LAS MAS HERMOSAS CANCIONES .-

[@liliasiordia8602]

Maravilloso!

[@danilotheviolinisti2]

muito bom amo este estilo de violino

[@yukiyavalentine5867]

felt like heaven

[@guybarte5834]

Oui trop beaux merci à se dieux du violon jaz la classe un grand monsieur de la musique 🎼🎼🎼🎵🎧🎧🎼🎵🎵👍👍👍👍👍

[@cidcampeador1952]

BRAVISSIMO ! ! ! ! !

[@michaelbentley4182]

cidcampeador1952 I

[@VictorMawhinney]

Masters at work 👍👍👍👍

[@gimed9]

AWASOME!!!!

[@DebdenJohnny]

I saw him once many years ago at Club in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. England. He was a guest of French singer.l Sacha Distel ( who had a hit with the song Raindrops Keep falling on my head) They did a couple,of numbers together. They got a standing ovation most people in the audience didn’t know that Distel had been voted France’s top jazz guitarist four years running. I reckon they would,have liked to hear far more of them playing and less,of,his,singing!

[@Thursdaym2]

I am so thankful to have lived through a time full of such talented musicians. Get rid of politicians let musicians rule the world.

[@djangorheinhardt]

Yes very apt.Like your post and the idea......if only !.

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

May I amend? End parties, and let ARTISTS rule the world, people like Stephane and Django and numberless, and often unknown and unlauded, others. Their joy in playing...their delicious mastery of nuance, their ability to find the passion and value in each note...unsurpassed. I have been, what? A fan, since the forties when I heard these strains from a candlelit window on my pre-dawn paper route in the little steel town of Midland, PA. God bless that mysterious happening that kept me standing transfixed for many minutes until winter chill ...and my "work" drove me on. I searched, how many? record shops and libraries until my impassioned inquiries found an informed hearer, and my ears and soul were united with Stephane, Django and their loving companions.

[@pamtebelman2321]

@@richardbrucegraham1642 What a sweet and poetic memory!

[@stuartyirui]

Age is just a number. Grappelli was ageless. (In numbers he was 86 when he played at this Belfast event.)

[@redinhodaflauta1269]

No! 78.

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

How could he be sooo good?

[@vp3970]

When asked the question how long and often do you practice? Stephane said, " I don't practice." Gift from God.