Originally published in Do Savannah
Two of the country’s best guitarists will take the stage Sept. 6 at Mars Theatre in Springfield.
Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo teamed up in 2008 and have performed more than 1,000 shows. However, they have successful solo careers, as well.
Throughout his career, Vignola has played with internationally known artists, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Leon Redbone, Wynton Marsalis, Les Paul and many more. Paul even named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal.
After growing up in the suburbs of New York City, Vignola studied guitar at the Cultural Arts Center of Long Island. In the late 1980s, he formed the Hot Club of France tribute band in New York City.
Raniolo is still in his 20s, but has performed and recorded with such musicians as Bucky Pizzarelli, Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman. In addition to performing, Raniolo teaches classes at Bowling Green University, Kent State University and the Asiago Music Conservatory.
As a team, Vignola and Raniolo have performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, Liverpool Philharmonic, Quebec Music Festival and the Teatro Olimpico in Italy.
The music the duo plays is diverse, and their latest album, “Melody Magic,” includes pieces as varied as the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and “Eye of the Tiger” from “Rocky III.” There also are works by Bach, Bizet, Grieg — and Sting.
Vignola was just 5 when he began playing guitar. He has said his influences include Les Paul, Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa.
In 1993, Vignola signed with Concord Jazz and has released several albums under his own name. In addition to recording, he has written 18 instructional guitar books and recorded instructional CD-ROMs for www.truefire.com.
Originally published on September 1, 2014.
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