Six Questions with Frank Vignola -

Extraordinary guitarist and Long Island native Frank Vignola was featured on “The Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal by the legendary guitarist, Les Paul. Vignola has been a top pick for musicians such as Madonna, Les Paul, the New York Pops and many more. You can watch him use his astonishing techniques on February 12th, when he will be performing at The Iridium Jazz Club. Nitelife Exchange was given the opportunity to interview the guitar star!

Nitelife Exchange (NLE) – You began on the banjo; who or what influenced you to switch to guitar?

Frank Vignola (FV) – Actually, I started on the guitar at the age of 6, influenced by my Father who is a tenor banjo player. Later on, in my teens, I started to play banjo more seriously because it was a great way to get work with NYC dixieland and traditional jazz bands.

2. NLE – Who influenced your playing style the most? What part did Les Paul play in your development?

FV – I was influenced by Django Reinhardt, Les Paul and Joe Pass at first. Then, every major jazz guitarist played a role in my development. I met Les in 1986 and was friends with him for all of those years. Starting in 2000, I performed with him every week for many years in NYC and what can I say, it was an amazing experience. The older I get, the more I realize just how much I learned from him.

3. NLE – Whose work do you particularly admire past and present?

FV – Django Reinhardt, George Benson, Charlie Christian, Jim Hall with Art Farmer, Frank Zappa, Tommy Emmanuel and Julian Lage.

4. NLE – You’ve played over many genres of music, including rock. What is it about jazz in particular that calls to you?

FV – The repertoire. All of the great American Standards – I love them.

5. NLE – You’re back at work after your accident, and we know that road wasn’t an easy one. How is your recovery coming along?

FV – I am lucky to have survived that accident with no lasting damage. It has been almost one year and although I am not fully recovered yet, I am feeling great and ready to get back on the road starting with my NYC comeback performance at The Iridium on February 12.

6. NLE – If there is any advice you could give to an aspiring guitarist, what would it be?

FV – Learn lots of songs, be professional by showing up on time and knowing the material you are supposed to know, learn how to get work (gigs) and smile!

Listen to a sample of Frank Vignola’s playing: