Collaborations: Frank Vignola

“It is such a pleasure to release this new recording of collaborations with some of my favorite musicians on the planet! These sessions were recorded at different times throughout the past few years as opportunities arose, and document continuing musical conversations on the guitar between friends, old and new.

Hans Backenroth and Erik Söderlind, from Stockholm, are, simply put, two of the most exciting young players I’ve heard recently. We recorded these tracks together in Stockholm in April 2019. I love playing with these guys and look forward to more touring with them.

Next is a duet with the great, iconic guitarist, Martin Taylor. The session came about when Martin and I had a rare day off in New York City and we had the good sense to book a lunch date in a recording studio! Cherokee is the happy result.

Julian Lage is another of my favorite players—he is so talented and musical: a real joy to make music with. We recorded Sleepy Time Gal at the Truefire studios on the spur of the moment. It is a gem. Julian plays such beautiful melody and I just back him up for two choruses of this old classic.

Next up is a duet with one of my favorite players of all time, Jimmy Bruno. Jimmy and I reconnected recently while we were both experiencing a time of renewal. While talking one day it was clear the time had come to go back into the studio and play a little. There is such joy in these performances of Unit 7 and Satin Doll.

The next track features the great Bucky Pizzarelli. It’s difficult to say enough about Bucky’s positive influence. Without him, jazz guitar would not be what it is today.

The set is rounded out with a burner featuring two of my favorite younger players, Olli Soikkeli and my long-time touring bud, Vinny Raniolo. Joseph, Joseph is the piece, and I can hardly keep up with these two beasts! Such fun trying. I hope you enjoy these collaborations that I hold dear to my heart.”

Frank Vignola, New York, 2019