In addition to being one of the finest jazz guitarists alive, Frank Vignola is also one of the most versatile. On his earlier CD Looking Up as well as his newest one Just Between Frets, Frank has ventured into the repertoires of pop, rock, folk, and country music, all the while retaining the inventiveness and virtuosity that he is so well known for. It is great to see (and hear) that he found time to record this terrific set of standards.
The CD begins with Django Reinhardt's classic Nuages. After the soulful solo opening, the full trio enters. As usual, outstanding bassist Gary Mazzarappi and wonderful guitarist Vinny Raniolo are indispensable to the arrangements. For this tune they lay back a bit to allow Frank the room to explore the melodic universe of the tune. We're off to a fine start.
The pace picks up with I'll See You In My Dreams. Over a rock-solid backing Frank offers increasingly complex variations that still maintain the feel of the song. This tune is just one more reminder of how melodic a player is Mr. Vignola. No matter how frenetic the tempo he manages to come up with melodies that you can go away humming. The melodious playing continues when Frank hands off to Gary Mazzarappi for a great bass solo. The fun continues as he and Frank play off one another, sometimes swapping riffs and playing together at others. Great music and good fun - could you ask for more?
As if to remind us that what we call "standards" we once popular songs, the trio follows with a Latin-tinged version of Alone Again, Naturally. This is another melodic workout and a most enjoyable one at that.
Next comes a sentimental favourite of mine, Deep Purple. The trio takes this one at a medium-up tempo which is surprisingly effective, giving the tune a lift and allowing Frank to really swing the melody. And if Gary Mazzarappi is not yet your favourite bass player, this song may well convert you. Gary's improvisational prowess is fully on display with a fine solo that complements Frank's playing perfectly. This is teamwork at its finest!
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You brings a special treat: violinist Aaron Weinstein. Evoking memories of the famous Quintette du Hot Club de France (although the song was actually a hit for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), the band blends both classic and modern elements in this updated tribute to the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Everyone gets a chance to solo on this one and they all add up to one terrific track.
OK, so the title is not JAZZ Standards, so Under the Double Eagle certainly qualifies as a march standard - it was a favourite of John Philip Sousa. Written in 1902 by Josef Wagner, an Austrian bandmaster, the double eagle of the title is a feature of the Austrian coat of arms. Here we get a red-hot version of the tune at blazing speed. Listen carefully to this one, because it seems that it is over way too soon!
Getting back to jazz, not many tunes are more standard than Misty. This version begins with a simple statement of the tune. For some reason this brings to mind Ed Bickert's 1977 album "I Like to Recognize the Tune", a somewhat iconoclastic stance for a jazz musician. The solos stay close to the melody as well resulting in a mellow ballad that everyone can enjoy.
Staying in the same vein is a mid-tempo rendition of The Lady is a Tramp, which welcomes back Aaron Weinstein and his violin. Once again the solos are top-notch, with Frank giving a virtual lesson on how to use all of the registers of the guitar effectively. The addition of the violin seems to spur the whole band into solos with a little more freedom and a bit more swing. You don't have to be a jazz fan to enjoy this track, or any of them for that matter - just fine music.
Another pop song that has become a standard is Jimmy van Heusen's Polka Dots and Moonbeams. A bit of trivia: this song was Frank Sinatra's first hit. It has remained popular with musicians ever since. The trio takes this one at a reflective pace, moving from the melody to jazzier and blusier territory, only to return to the melody for a nicely stylish ending.
Well if the CD must end, 12th Street Rag is a great way to go out. Written in 1914 this song is a classic from the Ragtime era that has remained popular with musicians. This spirited performance will show you why - an infectious melody combines with lots of opportunities for tasty soloing. The whole trio takes advantage of this to send you out on a high note.
A single listen to this CD reveals that Frank and the trio are not pursuing two separate recording careers, but rather they are performing music for a wide audience of music lovers, not just jazz purists. This is a CD to pick up if you just enjoy fine playing and terrific versions of great songs - you will love it!
You can buy Standards straight from Frank Vignola on his web site: http://frankvignola.com/music.html