Guitar master Frank Vignola stops at The Shedd Institute on June 17th with bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and guitarist Vinny Raniolo for a trio tribute to legendary Roma guitarist Django Reinhardt and the Quintette du Hot Club de France. They are on tour in support of their new CD, 100 Years of Django.
No matter what genres Frank Vignola explores (and they are legion), he never strays too long from swing—and specifically from Django Reinhardt, the highly influential French/Romani guitarist/composer who, with legendary jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, carved out such an important niche in the jazz world during the 1930s and ‘40s. Vignola has long been considered one of the most accomplished interpreters of Reinhardt’s music, yet it wasn’t until the release of 100 Years of Django (Azica Records, 2010) that Vignola cut an entire album devoted to the music of that singular artist. Reinhardt (who died in 1953) was born 100 years ago this past January 23, which has inspired Django and Hot Club tributes throughout the country. None can match the brilliance, however, of Vignola, who has been touring throughout the year in support of the CD.
"How versatile is Frank Vignola? He's collaborated with Lionel Hampton and Madonna, covers Mozart and Black Sabbath on the same record, and is one of Les Paul's favorite guitarists." -- The Boston Globe