Makin' Whoopeeby Anonymous

Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings

February 02, 2004: Frank Vignola (acoustic guitar, banjo) and Sam Pilafian (tuba) are masters of their instrument. Their incredible feel for swing beats just makes you want to dance. The opening track "Micro" displays their incredible technique at a frantic pace. It is immediately evident Sam Pilafian is a truly unique tuba player. They are joined on this track by Ken Peplowski (clarinet). You just cant help but smile when you first hear this track. The sweet tone of the clarinet, the fat sound of the tuba, tight drumming from Joe Ascione and the finesse of Franks guitar combine beautifully. As well as blisteringly fast swing jazz, the album also contains some classic standards executed with a heavily swung and witty style. Songs such as "Georgia On My Mind" and "Up A Lazy River" give you a break from the action. While the quick tracks are my favourite, the slow, swaying style of these ballads proves their musical mastery. Playing these lulling ballads and keeping the swing shows true talent. Their rendition of "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home" is a euphoric, toe-tappin' masterpiece. The tuba solo is simply astounding. I still remember when I first heard this, my jaw dropped and it took some time to sink in that it was a tuba solo! A few tracks on is "Chasin' The Antelope" and yet another display of swing jazz at high velocity. Just when your foot is getting sore from all the toe-tappin', they go DOUBLE TIME and you can't keep up. I doubt I will ever see Frank playing guitar, but I can imagine his hands being a blur when he cranks up the speed in this song. Highly recommended for any swing jazz fan. This band has a sense of humour which comes across in their recordings. If you are a brass player, you’ll be taken aback by the sounds of Sams tuba. Guitarist will envy the speed and accuracy of Franks guitar solos and woodwind players will dream of such a sweet clarinet tone. This album doesn’t just amaze musicians, it will please people of all ages and backgrounds.