"...with unbelievable speed and a liquid, ringing tone in the Reinhardt style, exhibiting his acoustic mastery in exhilarating single-string runs, complex flurries and astounding full-register riffs. When speed and clarity were demanded, Vignola stunned." - Downbeat

"Django" Reinhardt (1910-1953) – a self-taught gypsy guitarist who blazed into music history as the most influential European guitarist in history with his exquisitely joyous and deliriously fresh style of music performed and recorded with his Quintette du Hot Club de France in Europe – is apparently so revered by the Central and Western European gypsies that his photo can be found in many Romani households. Today, 57 years after his passing, there is no better way to celebrate his 100th birthday than with the 21st century gypsy jazz of guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola and his sizzling Hot Club!

In Europe, Djangophilia and Hot Club-style jazz may be flourishing, but it is certainly in whatever place Vignola plays that Django’s music lives on in new form. For while he conjures the spirit of Django’s music in his interpretation of the legend’s diverse repertoire and approach with its silky, liquid tone, lightning-quick runs, imaginative inflections and lyrical vibrato passages, Vignola gives it new life by building on the former’s musical language instead of trying to emulate his inimitable style as much as possible.

One of the brightest stars in the guitar world today, Vignola plays so many styles with such mastery and flair that he regularly floors audiences and critics, leading Joan Anderson of Boston Globe to remark, "How versatile is Frank Vignola? He's collaborated with Lionel Hampton and Madonna, covers Mozart and Black Sabbath on the same record and is one of Les Paul's favorite guitarists", and Guitar Player Magazine’s associate editor Jude Gold to write, "The monstrous Frank Vignola...is one of the most vicious tremolo-pickers on the scene".

The New York-based Italian-American guitarist, bandleader and Django Reinhardt New York Festival Music Director has worked everything from post-bop to swing, classical to rock, has toured and recorded with diverse artists including Bucky Pizzarelli, Les Paul, Lionel Hampton, Donald Fagen, Queen Latifah, Ringo Starr, Madonna, Dave Grisman, and Mark O'Connor, and had his Gershwin tribute album, I Got Rhythm, listed in NPR’s "Top Ten Jazz CD" list.

With outstanding quartet members, Vinny Raniolo on rhythm guitar, Zach Brock on violin and Gary Mazzaroppi on upright bass, Vignola has performed Django’s music with virtuosity, charisma, heart and humour to great acclaim. Don’t miss the magic of gypsy jazz refreshed by one of the hottest gypsy jazz ensembles today – Frank Vignola’s Hot Club!

9.30pm
(60mins, no intermission)

$30*
(Limited concessions for students, NSF and senior citizens at $20*)

Exclusive savings for Mosaic Friends and other packages available.