If you have read my review of Vignola Plays Gershwin you already know that Frank Vignola is one of my very favorite jazz guitar players. Well imagine my surprise when Frank told me this recently: "I don’t call myself a jazz guitar player." Why not? "Because if I call myself a jazz guitar to player ... I think people get turned off. They think: 'I’m not gonna like that.' They’re going to think: 'I’m going to get bored, because the last time I heard a jazz guitar record or went to see a performance, I really didn’t enjoy it.' "
This comes from an interview that I did with Frank Vignola at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention in Nashville in July. So if not a jazz guitarist, what does he consider himself? "I just try to consider myself an ‘acoustic guitar virtuoso’ or some stupid name like that as opposed to a jazz guitarist."
There is certainly no doubt that Frank Vignola is a guitar virtuoso, and his range extends far beyond jazz. On his latest CD Looking Up, he includes gypsy jazz, ballad, folk, pop, rock, and classical music as well as some jazz standards. What holds these diverse styles together is the melodic sensibility and outstanding ensemble work of Frank Vignola with Gary Mazzaroppi and Vinny Raniolo. This is a stellar group that handles any type of music with flair and aplomb.
The CD gets off to a flying start with Gypsymania, a torrid flight through the gypsy jazz idiom that begins with a sonic tip of the hat to one of Mr. Vignola's mentors, Les Paul (who passed away in August of 2009). Although this song proceeds at what seems a super-human tempo it is a real foot-tapper.
Changing up the pace is Killing Me Softly, a beautiful reading of the huge hit for Roberta Flack. Few jazz players might want to play such a straightforward arrangement of this song, even with this version's slightly flamenco cadence. What Frank Vignola knows is that his listeners love the melody, and this entire arrangement sets off the melody in several wonderful ways. I witnessed the power of this style in Nashville when at two words from Frank ("You sing") the entire audience sang along for the final verse! Who says that people don't listen to words? These folks knew them all and did a fine job with the tune too!
Then we are off to the aural world of folk music with the traditional tune Shady Grove. This grove has a strong groove moving it along, with some fine imitative counterpoint to give it some heft and the banjo of Jamie Mansfield to add that extra folk touch. At times it sounds like a dozen or more playing, so much music can these four produce.
Sounds of Silence is a nice surprise to find next. Once again a simple but effective presentation starts off, this time in harmonics. The harmony gradually becomes more lush and the melody follows suit, exploring all of its possibilities.
With Night in Tunisia we are finally in solid jazz standard territory. What a workout this trio gives Dizzy Gillespie's famous tune! This is one of the standout tracks of the whole CD. Just fine music. Listen for Frank's muted guitar under Gary's fine bass solo, while Vinny fades his chords into just high-pitched 'plinks'. Just one of several magic moments here.
Our 'acoustic guitar virtuoso' continues with yet another jazz standard, Tears by Django Reinhardt. The pace is slower and more contemplative but again melody reigns supreme. While Django's spirit pervades the song the guitar is pure Vignola, as he again explores the implications and possibilities of the tune.
I would never have expected to hear this group play Walking on the Moon, but then again this version is quite unlike the original by The Police. There is a lightness and delicacy that suits the song and its lyrics. The lightly skipping bass and light rhythm chording provide the perfect background for more exploration of melody.
At this point you may be convinced that these three have a rare breadth of inspiration, but would you be ready for an excerpt from J. S. Bach's Partita #2 for violin? Vignola's phrasing is flawless, as is his technique. After the opening solo, he hits a big chord and the rest of the trio enters, at first highlighting downbeats but soon taking full part in harmonizing the melody.
Once again things change up, this time into Chick Corea's Got a Match? The transition from Bach is made flawless by the matching accompaniments in both pieces. The trio feels a bit freer to swing in this one and swing they do!
Don't think you have heard it all yet, because next comes an amazing set of excerpts from Bizet's most famous opera in the Carmen Medley. Bizet had a true gift for writing memorable melodies and catchy tunes, and the trio does them full justice in this impressive medley. How can a trio substitute for a full orchestra and opera cast? Well, listen for yourself and prepare to be most pleasantly surprised. A melody lover's dream.
The CD ends with Mozart's Turkish March, a tour de force that not much can really follow. Yes, you do know this tune and you will recognize it right away. And if it sounds fast, you should see Frank Vignola play it live! The fingerboard of his guitar is smoking as he takes us right back to the sonic world that began the CD. What what a trip it is.
The CD should be out by early October. You can listen to Gypsymania and buy the CD at FrankVignola.com