Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo Swing Zing

 

The duo of Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo brings together the veteran Vignola, certainly one of the most remarkable guitarists today, with the younger Raniolo who serves to complement Vignola's oft astounding playing. The two have a new recording "Swing Zing" on Vignola's FV-15 label on which the two (with guests) play 13 swing era classics.

There is more than a hint of Vignola's Gypsy Jazz style, especially on the jaw-dropping 'Joseph Joseph" on which Olli Soikelli joins the two, while Bucky Pizzarelli, and Gary Mazzaroppi join in backing a lovely vocal from Auda Mariel on the classic Jerome Kern ballad "All the Things You Are." There are so many delights including the brilliant interplay between Vignola and Gene Bertoncini on the brisk "Whispering."

From the opening delightful elegance of "Cheek to Cheek" to the lovely rendering of "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans" and the closing medley of "Peg O My Heart"/"I'm Confessin'," listeners are treated to a mix of lyricism and dazzling improvisational take-offs that prove that jaw-dropping technique matched with musical taste and intelligence make for compelling performances that move the heart and lift one's spirits. "Swing Zing" is simply wonderful.

I received my review copy from a publicist. I have made a few minor changes to the  review which appeared in the July-August Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 361). Here is a video of these two performing a medley of "Tico Tico/ Apache."

Lou Pallo's Thank You To Les Paul

Thank You Les (Showcase Music Productions) is a tribute that guitarist Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio put together to celebrate the musical legacy of Les Paul. The recording’s 21 performances have an all star group of musicians that include guitarists Keith Richards, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Miller (who also penned the package’s liner notes), Jose Feliciano, Slash, Johnny A, Bucky Pizzarelli, Arlen Roth, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Frank Vignola, Bob Leive, Tommy Doyle and Jon Paris, as well as singers Eddie Brigati, Jr. (The Young Rascals) Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones), Nicki Parrott (Les Paul Trio), Lexie Roth, Melinda Doolittle (finalist on “American Idol” season six) and members of the Les Paul Trio, who are brought together by their love of the late musical legend.

Pallo was a long-time friend of Les Paul and his long-time friend and rhythm guitarist, who many credit with helping Les Paul revitalize his career as a live performer after they first met in 1963 and soon after began performing together. It was Pallo who stood on stage with Les for his extended run of weekly performances in New York City starting in 1984, first at Fat Tuesday’s for 10 years, and later at the Iridium, where the Les Paul Trio today continues to celebrate Les Paul’s legacy today.

Space prevents the consideration of every track but there are numerous pleasures starting from the spirited opening Avalon featuring Frank Vignola with marvelous interplay between him and Pallo that is also displayed on Brazil. Steve Miller does a jazzy Mr. Day/ Tell Me What’s the Reason, with a straightforward vocal on the T-Bone Walker classic while he lays down the guitar on Nature Boy, backed by Pallo, pianist John Colianni and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi for the classic jazz ballad. Nokie Edwards’s trebly playing lends a different tinge to the Ellington-Tizol classic Caravan, and is really lovely on “Out of Nowhere,” with soft accompaniment from Pallo and bassist Jay Leonhart.

Few would expect to hear Billy F Gibbons' very deliberate playing on September Song, with a larger backing group and even more surprising is Keith Richards sharing vocals (and saying I’ll be Bing Crosby) and guitar with Pallo on It’s Been a Long, Long Time. Richards crooning is a far cry from the Rolling Stones. Arlen Roth does his best Chet Atkins impression on Mr. Sandman, and Lexie Roth joins for vocals on the wistful Mexican-tinged Vaya Con Dios. Jose Feliciano adds a bit of latin spice with his singing and guitar on “Besame Mucho.” 

Slash takes us Deep in the Blues, although with perhaps a bit too much effects and reverb and Jon Paris’ rendition of St. Louis Blues, with his slide and harmonica along with Bob Leive’s trumpet is more satisfying. Pallo and Tommy Doyle perform a lovely rendition of Memories of You, one of the most celebrated collaborations of Eubie Blake-Andy Razaf. American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle sings Over The Rainbow, accompanied by Pallo, pianist Rio Clemente and bassist Jay Leonhart, to close this wonderful celebration of an innovator and legend. Thank you Lou Pallo for this terrific recording.

I received a review copy of the CD from a publicist. There is also a CD/Bonus DVD package available and a DVD. Here is a video of Lou Pallo with les Paul.

Siegel, Massé & Kinham's Marvelous Tribute to Johnny Mercer

Fresh impressions can be misleading and when I first heard the CD by JaLaLa several months ago, it did not leave a strong impression. Turning back to it after several months, I react quite differently as it was truly one of the musical delights of 2009.

JaLaLa is a female vocal trio of Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé, and Lauren Kinham. Siegel is a long-time member of Manhattan Transfer while Masse was a founding member of that celebrated vocal group. Kinham is a member of the New York Voices. The three got together to do a celebration of the music of Johnny Mercer, The Old Mercer Magic (Dare Records) which opens with the lively “Spring, Spring, Spring,” followed by a marvelous reworking of “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby,” which starts as if it was an Aretha Franklin alternate of “Chain of Fools,” before the trio tear into it as the band shifts to a New Orleans street funk groove with a terrific Lee Soloff trumpet solo.

“Jeepers Creepers” features some dazzling vocalese from Siegel as well as a nifty guitar solo from Frank Vignola, while, Kinham delivers a buoyant “My Shining Hour,” transformed into a bossa nova. “Accentuate the Positive” playfully opens with a klezmer clarinet and a bit of as revival meeting before the three launch into their melodious harmony with a bouncy backing, lovely clarinet, keen steel guitar and some downhome fiddling, giving it a slight country tinge. “Dream” conjures up a World War II vocal trio such as the Andrew Sisters with simple guitar chord accompaniment.

“I’m Old Fashioned” is a marvelous feature for Massé backed solely by bassist David Finck, while Kinham scats her way on “Riding on the Moon,” with pianist Yaron Gershovsky standing out as well as trumpeter Soloff playing with a mute. There is a playfulness throughout as well as an obvious love of Johnny Mercer. Also splendid is the medley of “Moon River” and “Moon Country,” which opens with Vignola’s guitar laying out the soft rhythm for Massé’s lovely vocal, before Siegel and Kinham join for “Moon Country,” with some steel guitar embellishments added, again displaying some original touches that they have brought to this marvelous tribute to one of the grand masters of American song. It should be readily available at various online stores (amazon, itunes, etc.) and better stores.

For FTC purposes, the review copy was sent me by the publicity firm handling this release.