Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Frank Vignola: Deja Vu

255

Frank Vignola: Deja Vu

By

Sign in to view read count
Frank Vignola: Deja Vu
Here's a talented young guitarist who probably hasn't sold as much product as his label would like. So the label conceives of a concept album aimed at boomers and fuzak lovers. And what do graying boomers and fuzak lovers want? Jazz-lite versions of classic rock and pop songs.

Frank Vignola has gone smooth on us. This is a disappointing development given that Vignola's last release, Look Right, Jog Left, was a very satisfying fusion effort.

I'll admit that some of these rock-to-jazz projects are likable (check out Fareed Haque's own Deja Vu ), but most are lamentable. Frank Vignola's Deja Vu is mostly the latter.

As smooth jazz goes, this CD is OK. Vignola's guitar work is fiery and bluesy, and the tunes are pleasantly funky and reassuringly familiar. But with the strings-like background synths, occasional electronic beats, unobtrusive drums, and sentimental tinkling chimes, Deja Vu is aptly titled: we've been here before, and too many times.

There are a couple of tunes here that I might dub onto a cassette to lighten the mood. For instance, the version of Cream's "White Room" is likably George Benson-ish, and Carol King's "It's Too Late" works well in a pop-jazz context. But most of this CD is Prozac for the ears. The insipid vocal chorus on Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff" spoils a nice guitar solo. The drum programming on Chick Corea's "Spain" is annoying. Other tunes covered include Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You," John Lennon's "Imagine," Sting's "Walking On The Moon," Elvis Costello's "Alison," and Kansas's "Dust In The Wind."

You really can't blame Vignola or Concord for trying to make a few bucks, but here's hoping Deja Vu buys Frank Vignola a more challenging project next time around.

Personnel

Album information

Title: Déjà Vu | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Original Jazz Classics

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.