I find it difficult to put into words how absolutely fantastic this CD is. Frank Vignola's playing is no less than masterful, and the interplay among the band members is a joy to hear. This masterpiece was recorded in just FOUR HOURS, and the spontaneity and fun comes across loud and clear. If you were lucky enough to be in a club and hear some of these first takes you would remember it as one of those rare "magic" evenings. This is a rare CD.
I have a deep feeling for Gershwin's songs, and one of my favourite ways to get to know a musician is hearing their interpretation of them. Yes, they have been recorded thousands of times, which raises the bar for anyone who wants to present yet another recording. With this CD, Vignola and crew raise the bar quite a few more notches.
You have to give the band credit for courage, starting the CD with a bass solo (with drums) that turns out to be I've Got Rhythm when VIgnola's bright, effortless-sounding chord melody enters. Over a smooth and swinging support of bass and drums, the two guitars keep things moving by filling in any holes left by the other. Everyone gets a chance to shine here, and all are up to the task. Tom Kennedy plays his tasteful bass solos with aplomb while Joe Ascione's drums anchor the whole ensemble with quiet flair. Corey Christiansen's guitar is a great contrast to Vignola. His more mellow tone is a nice foil to Vignola's bright, sparkling timbre.
Summertime can be difficult to pull off, but this version is just sublime. Vignola is able to play blistering lines that fit the song rather than sounding like egotistical rantings. Other touches contribute to make this an outstanding performance. One of my favourites is the single note after the very first melodic phrase: one note that sets the tone for the entire song. Also noteworthy is Vignola's control on a pianissimo version of the melody in tremolando, a technique to which he later returns in an excursion to an almost flamenco style before deftly sliding back into the Gershwin tune.
S'Wonderful is another great performance in up-tempo swing that should have your body moving in time right away. As in the other tunes, Vignola does not stray too far from the melody, respecting Gershwin's ability to structure a tune and complementing it with his own ideas. This is also the shortest song on the CD. The band says all they have to say in just under two and a half minutes and wisely stops.
We next slow down to a smooth version of Our Love is Here to Stay, with Vignola demonstrating yet another type of chord melody, interspersed with single notes. Just a lovely ballad.
They Can't Take That Away From Me steps up the tempo a bit, but not much. Again Vignola's wonderful interpretation is supported by some great little touches from Christiansen's guitar, while Kennedy stolidly keeps things moving. Ascione's drums shape the arrangement and drive to thematic peaks and new sections making it all seem inevitable. Great ensemble.
Vignola opens The Man I Love with a show-stopping guitar solo that presents the song as an up-tempo ballad. Once again, when the band enters Christiansen manages to outline the chord changes in the spaces that Vignola leaves as he explores virtually the entire range of the guitar.
Somebody Loves Me takes on a Latin style that highlights the versatility of the rhythm section. This cha-cha provides an ideal backing for Vignola to spin out his sensual lines into a lush cushion of sound.
Next we Strike Up the Band with more swinging playing that seems to just bounce happily along, effortlessly dancing around the melody. Ascione gets a chance to shine with a few short solos, as does Kennedy, and shine they do. We never lose track of the song, nor are we far from Gerswhin's melody. Quite a feat!
Nice Work If You Can Get It starts off soft and gentle with a wistful air that nonetheless carries the song's strong forward motion. As usual, the ensemble playing is right in the pocket as it swings easily along.
Vignola is so hot and swinging with Fascinating Rhythm that this version has found a place in my heart beside the formerly-peerless version of George Barnes. Ascione also gets a nice long solo to strut his stuff, which he does with cool elegance. The drive to the ending is another great little trip, one of many on this CD.
Embraceable You begins with another guitar solo that shows what a beautiful ballad this song can be in the right hands. This group certainly has those hands. Just a gorgeous rendition. And be sure to catch Kennedy's little bass flourish at the end. Nice.
Lady Be Good gets us back up and swinging with a guitar and bass duet. The drums enter with brushes for an understated backbone that keeps things moving along smoothly. Kennedy gets a long bass solo here, punctuated by short, soft chord stabs and underlined by unobtrusive drums. Ascione then gets to trade fours with Vignola, in a section that makes us wonder just how "good" this "lady" is being. We are then right back into the melody, for a very tuneful exit from this fun arrangement.
How Long Has This Been Going On is presented as a languid, moving-through-molasses ballad. The wonderful drag is provided by more inspired brush work by Ascione. The chordal melody seems to be almost searching for the beat as it pushes ahead and falls behind, artfully managed by Vignola's magnificent command of timing.
The CD ends with another up-tempo, Latin-inflected tune - But Not For Me. Again, the rhythm section is outstanding, with Christiansen's guitar contributing a major part to the underlying groove. The harmonic playfulness of this arrangement, as well as a quote from a somewhat familiar song about two and a half minutes in, makes this a fun and appropriate ending to a stellar set of performances.
As much as I have raved about this CD, I have only skimmed the surface. This is a CD that I would be happy to have if stranded on a desert island, or just riding the subway or driving in traffic.
I can only sum up by saying: "Buy it. You will love it."
Canadians, buy it here:
Americans, use this link: