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."