The Buildings Are Alive Again With The Sound of Music!

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

The inaugural night held November 3^rd 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

Subscribe to Jazz Guitar Today – it’s FREE!