Search - Frank & Joe Show :: 33 1/3

Frankenjoe's Monster!

M. R. Aronson | Blacksburg, VA United States | 05/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's see, what would happen if Django Reinhardt and an equally-talented percussionist took an extended vacation to Brazil, Argentina, Arabia and some unnamed tropical island, and then read a few too many comic books and walked into a studio with a jug of espresso and locked the doors? Well, the results would probably sound something like "33-1/3" by The Frank and Joe Show. Frank Vignola is an absolutely spectacular guitarist obviously inspired by the works of Django, an inspiration that has served him well in the wondrous Hot Swing Trio with Jon Burr and Mark O'Connor. He also accompanies the legendary Les Paul every Monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club in New york. Now Frank has teamed with the extremely versatile and creative percussionist Joe Ascione to give us this delightful and mesmerizing collection of tracks, something which any and all of you should add to your collection.Frank's offerings include relaxed, soulful interpretations of ballads like "Stardust" and "Alone Again Naturally" (those of you who didn't like Gilbert O'Sullivan's version after the millionth time they heard it on the radio will find that if they can overcome the psychological obstacle, this is a beautiful transformation). Then there are the thrill-rides: "Mozart Jam," "Spiderman," and "Flight of the Bumblebee" defy the laws of physics with Frank's unbelievably fast right hand - guitarists and non-musicians alike will stand with jaws agape as they try to comprehend how these solos can be rendered without electronic trickery or mirrors. But this is not just a pyrotechnic display - Frank and Joe have some great chemistry going here, and Joe has infused every track with irresistable grooves, providing passion, soul, spontaneity and funk to spare. There is a great list of familiar material from the likes of Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, and even the Doobie Brothers, but there's also a great original instrumental, "Sweet Rhythm," penned by Frank, Joe, producer Joel Dorn and Gene Paul. The result is a thoroughly listenable and accessible "album", with surprising coherence, considering the variety of musical territory covered.A few pieces feature great vocal performances by notable guests Janis Siegel (of the Manhattan Transfer), Jane Monheit, and the incomparable Dr. John, who also contributes piano. These are all wonderful performances - my only complaint is that "Sheik of Araby" ends too soon. Fans of Jane Monheit will be ecstatic over her voluptuous reading of "Besame Mucho", and the instrumental accompaniment to all of these vocal performances is completely intuitive and sympathetic. Again, there is wonderful chemistry here.At just under 38 minutes, the CD is a bit on the short side by today's standards, but what the heck? It's an ALBUM, not a CD! Besides, the 38 minutes have more vital music packed in than most CDs twice the length, so I can easily give it 5 stars. I buy way too many CDs, stopping by the store (and the Amazon site) every Tuesday to see what's new, and this disc stands out as one of the best I've picked up in YEARS. I can recommend this to fans of many types of music without hesitation. Go ahead - treat yourself! You deserve it!"

This is the REAL DEAL

J. Sotelo | Sacramento CA | 07/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many records claim to capture the spirit of swing music and somehow they all end up sounding too produced or too contemporary or there is just something 'not right' about them. This is definitely the album that gets it right. I was given a promotional copy of this and, from the unassuming cover, I just figured it would be another bland instrumental workout like so many that litter the jazz sections these days. From the first chord, the energy, vibrancy and sincerity of this music just overwhelms the listener with good feelings. Not only can these guys play, but they know how to entertain as well. Like the man says, this is a SHOW. I heartily recommend this album to anyone who likes swing jazz or vintage music. You are in for a real treat. Sure to be one of the sleeper hits of the year. An excellent record."

Frank and Joe show delightful

J. Sotelo | 05/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though very hard to categorize, the Frank and Joe Show recording "33-1/3" is wonderful. Not only do they create a complex blend from simple ingredients, there is something so uplifting and cheerful about the results. That may sound corny, but it is true. Both Frank and Joe are virtuosic players and their arrangements and performances of diverse material, from jazz to pop standards, are unusual and delightful. Check it out!"