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Frank Vignola: Deja Vu

Item: Déjà Vu
Rating: 0
Author: Jim Santella

By Jim Santella
June 1, 1999
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Songs by Cream, Carole King, Bob Marley, Isaac Hayes, Elvis Costello, David Crosby, Sting, and John Lennon make up much of Frank Vignola's latest album. The guitarist treats them with respect, offering familiar melodies and standard rhythms while stepping up occasionally to improvise. Vignola's smooth guitar sound embellishes each favorite tune; he's supported by drums, electric bass, keyboards, and group background vocals. Vignola, whose improvisation has a mild Country & Western quality, studied banjo, and at age 14 won the Grand National Banjo Championship in Canada. Deja Vu is the New York native's fourth album as a leader.

Chick Corea's "Spain" sits atop Joe Ascione's mechanical programmed drum pattern and a throbbing electric bass counterpoint, as Vignola's guitar provides the melody. John Lennon's "Imagine" is all melody with a backbeat; Vignola treats them right. His improvisation isn't fiery or flashy; rather, the guitarist prefers to maintain an adult contemporary, soft rock approach. The restrained emotion and attention to lyrical melodies makes D'j' vu pleasurable.

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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Personnel

Frank Vignola

guitar

Album information

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

About Frank Vignola

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