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Graves Guitar Studio
By Aaron Graves
There's nothing like hearing music played by a master, but put together six
such artists and you've got yourself a performance to remember. The Frank
Vignola “Quintet” burned down the La Rita Theatre Saturday, Sept. 20 with
a performance that featured everything from jazz standards like “Stardust”
to surprising showstoppers like “Dueling Banjos”.
Frank Vignola, an Italian-American from New York, is a familiar name to
modern jazz fans. He has released several albums under his own name since
1992. He has also toured and recorded with other acts as diverse as Queen
Latifa and Madonna.
Performing with Vignola was five other artists (making it "the largest
quintet in the world" with six members). Guitarist Vinny Raniolo is a skilled
rhythm guitarist. He also teamed up with Vignola on several songs, playing
together note for note on the melody lines.
Violinist Aaron Weinstein added tremendous support on the violin and
mandolin. His solo on “Summertime” was one of the evening's highlights.
Weinstein also proved to be quiet a comedian as he and Vignola shared
jokes throughout the second half of the show.
Providing support on an old stand up bass was Australian born Debbie
Kennedy. Percussion was provided by Harrison Keiling. Vocals and
additional rhythm guitar was handled by Don Keiling.
Saturday's performance at times showed off the technical prowess of
Vignola and Raniolo. Outstanding was their guitar duet on “Flight of the
Bumblebee.” However, most of the show featured a relaxing mix of jazz
standards and western swing, including “Deep In The Heart of Texas” sung
by Don Keiling.
The group presented themselves as polite, well dressed, and happy to be in
Dalhart. Vignola referred to the La Rita Theatre as a “miniature Carnegie
Hall.” During their first set, the group made quick work of satisfying the
audience with back to back renditions of jazz favorites.
The second set was more relaxed and humorous, with the group playing
audience requests, answering questions, and staging short comedic skits.
“I won a major banjo contest at the age of 13,” Vignola said as the audience
chimed in with scattered applause. “Nobody else showed up.” Vignola and
Wienstein then proceeded to play one of the most funny and entertaining
versions of “Dueling Banjos” ever.
The Frank Vignola Quintet appearance in Dalhart was part of a 38 day tour,
with concerts almost every evening. CDs and DVDs featuring Vignola can be
found at his website: www.frankvignola.com. The DVD entitled: “Frank
Vignola, Live at the Sheldon” showcases much of the music that was
performed in Dalhart.
The La Rita offered free tickets to students of Graves Guitar Studio so they
could enjoy the show. Thanks to Frank and his group and to the La Rita
from all of us at Graves Guitar Studio.
There's nothing like hearing music played by a master, but put together six
such artists and you've got yourself a performance to remember. The Frank
Vignola “Quintet” burned down the La Rita Theatre Saturday, Sept. 20 with
a performance that featured everything from jazz standards like “Stardust”
to surprising showstoppers like “Dueling Banjos”.
Frank Vignola, an Italian-American from New York, is a familiar name to
modern jazz fans. He has released several albums under his own name since
1992. He has also toured and recorded with other acts as diverse as Queen
Latifa and Madonna.
Performing with Vignola was five other artists (making it "the largest
quintet in the world" with six members). Guitarist Vinny Raniolo is a skilled
rhythm guitarist. He also teamed up with Vignola on several songs, playing
together note for note on the melody lines.
Violinist Aaron Weinstein added tremendous support on the violin and
mandolin. His solo on “Summertime” was one of the evening's highlights.
Weinstein also proved to be quiet a comedian as he and Vignola shared
jokes throughout the second half of the show.
Providing support on an old stand up bass was Australian born Debbie
Kennedy. Percussion was provided by Harrison Keiling. Vocals and
additional rhythm guitar was handled by Don Keiling.
Saturday's performance at times showed off the technical prowess of
Vignola and Raniolo. Outstanding was their guitar duet on “Flight of the
Bumblebee.” However, most of the show featured a relaxing mix of jazz
standards and western swing, including “Deep In The Heart of Texas” sung
by Don Keiling.
The group presented themselves as polite, well dressed, and happy to be in
Dalhart. Vignola referred to the La Rita Theatre as a “miniature Carnegie
Hall.” During their first set, the group made quick work of satisfying the
audience with back to back renditions of jazz favorites.
The second set was more relaxed and humorous, with the group playing
audience requests, answering questions, and staging short comedic skits.
“I won a major banjo contest at the age of 13,” Vignola said as the audience
chimed in with scattered applause. “Nobody else showed up.” Vignola and
Wienstein then proceeded to play one of the most funny and entertaining
versions of “Dueling Banjos” ever.
The Frank Vignola Quintet appearance in Dalhart was part of a 38 day tour,
with concerts almost every evening. CDs and DVDs featuring Vignola can be
found at his website: www.frankvignola.com. The DVD entitled: “Frank
Vignola, Live at the Sheldon” showcases much of the music that was
performed in Dalhart.
The La Rita offered free tickets to students of Graves Guitar Studio so they
could enjoy the show. Thanks to Frank and his group and to the La Rita
from all of us at Graves Guitar Studio.
Frank Vignola in Dalhart
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