With
Melody Magic, guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo climb the musical Everests that are the works of the great Masters, and with some pop gems added, offer a fun excursion on them all. It’s a trip filled with wondrous music, stellar playing and appropriate respect.
Vignola, one of the most respected and recorded guitarists in the business, and Raniolo, his guitar-playing partner in “theft,” do a splendid job of re-tooling and presenting the familiar themes. By surrounding the warhorse melodies with rhythmic grooves that are refreshing and unexpected…and by performing them with spirit…and superb chops…the result is highly entertaining…
Utilizing an all-stringed instrument presentation plus Julien
Labro’s fine accordion on selected cuts, Vignola and Raniolo, provide an illusion of a joyous string orchestra. The players’ abilities to drive the rhythmic, percussive and harmonic base is most admirable. But, it’s certainly the spirit and savvy arranging of Vignola and the superb playing by all that makes this CD a winner.
Melody Magic demonstrates that innovative approaches to classic art can yield both refreshed perspectives and a memorable trip up to Olympus. © All About Jazz Read complete review
