"The greatest guitarist I have ever had the pleasure of sitting next to." -Les Paul
In the late 1960s, "fusion" was the buzzword in the jazz world. It was the term used to describe the new style of music created by using electric instruments and effects to merge any and all major music genres with the forms and improvisational techniques of jazz. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea—these artists all became known outside the jazz world, in large part, for their use of electric instruments and willingness to incorporate popular musical styles into their jazz base.
The Frank Vignola Quintet has opted for somewhat of an inverse approach to fusion but in the same exploratory tradition of the original jazz-fusion movement. By sticking to classic acoustic instrumentation but exploring any song or style of music they please, Frank and the band let their jazz roots creep over into virtually any genre that can provide a great melody to expand upon. This freedom and lack of boundaries makes for an exhilaratingly fresh and original sound that quickly draws the listener in for an exciting audio experience.
Their new album, Kong Man (VMD) set for release February 29, 2008, is as eclectic as it is truly enjoyable. Starting with the frenzied jazzy synchronicity of the opening track "Luke" to the final speed demon rendition of the perennial classical favorite, Mozart’s "Turkish Rondo," The FVQ never fails to impress with both their incredible skills and their genuine enthusiasm and love for what they play. Whether you’re in the mood to dance, nap or put the moves on your sweetheart, Kong Man will provide the soundtrack. We recommend "Fly Swatter", "The Greatest Place On Earth" and "Lemme Take You To The Beach," respectively.
Everything from jazz, blues and bluegrass to rock and heavy metal, the players’ influences all come together to form something very unique, music that stimulates both intellect and the primal human need to swing like a madman. Regardless of whatever genres are bent or any fusing of styles that happens, two things are constant—the playing is unbelievable and the melodies are always strong.
Many people associate the word "virtuoso" with an air of snobbery and academia. It’s often the case when musicians reach a high level of mastery that they feel compelled to do things that are so technically challenging they can’t be emulated. The resulting music often is construed as inaccessible and lacking any central melody (as it often was with the original fusion movement). It’s a pleasure to hear an album that brims with both brilliant playing and melodies that demand a constant snap of the fingers at the very least. The FVQ are simply damn fine players having a damn fine time playing absolutely anything they can have fun with. This is what happens when virtuosos don’t lose sight of the inspiration that helped give them their talents.
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