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The Buildings Are Alive Again With The Sound of Music!

ByRay Matuza

And what sounds were heard from Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night held at Birdland in New York City!

The inaugural night held November 3rd from 8:30 until 10:00 PM, started off the weekly Wednesday event with The Frank Vignola/Jimmy Bruno Quartet with special guests including guitarists Ken Smith, Gene Bertoncini, and violinist Tessa Lark. Backed by the fabulous rhythm section of Peter Washington on bass and Vince Cherico on drums, the group played through an energetic set commencing with an ensemble arrangement of Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird Suite. The arrangement penned by Smith, had Jimmy Bruno taking the first solo flight, smoothly gliding over the changes followed by Mr. Smith with a short but sweet improv. Vignola responded in kind with a hint of Barney Kessel-like string bending in his solo with Smith returning for a few choruses. Bassist Peter Washington was up next with an agile walking on the dog house with a hint towards the melody. The whole tune was rounded out with a bit of trading fours, capped with a drum solo.

Following “Creole Love Call” and “Ornithology”, Gene Bertoncini joined the stage with a reading of “These Foolish Things”. Next, Gene and his nylon string Buscarino set up “The Shadow of Your Smile” with an absolutely gorgeous solo guitar intro, complete with note clusters and unconventional chord voicings as only he can do. The tune ended in a similar fashion, making it a highlight of the evening.

“Out of Nowhere” rounded out Gene’s special guest spotlight. The congenial Mr. Vignola called up violinist Tessa Lark next who joined in on “My Favorite Things” and “Blues in F”. The set ended with everyone joining in for a round-robin of choruses on “Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid”.And jump the evening did!

Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night every Wednesday evening at the Birdland

Beginning festivities for Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night
Frank with violinist Tessa Lark
Ken Smith taking a solo…with Gene Bertoncini.
Jimmy Bruno, Frank, and Peter Washington on bass.
Frank Vignola’s Guitar Night every Wednesday evening at Birdland in New York City

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Ray Matuza has over 47 years’ experience as a performer, educator, and writer. A senior editor of the now-defunct Twentieth Century Guitar Magazine, Ray is well versed in all styles with his primary focus on jazz and fingerstyle jazz. He is also a seasoned session guitarist and as an excellent reader, has performed in many pit orchestras in New York City and the surrounding areas. Ray has also taught with YES guitarist Steve Howe at his “Cross Styles Guitar Camp” at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY and at Five Towns College as well as privately. Ray’s fingerstyle repertoire crosses all musical genres, having what he calls a “big radio dial” in his head which determines what he will play at any given performance.

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