Johnny Frigo: Johnny Frigo's DNA Exposed! (2001)

Gary Griffey

Recent articles (22 total)

Published: March 1, 2002

Funny how somethings are so stereotyped that they surprise you when they break the mold.

Take the violin, for instance. A beautiful instrument to say the least. One of the best 'supporting actors' so-to-speak in a musical setting—particularly a Jazz ensemble. The Johnny Frigo comes along and shows what a violin can be with the right person at the bow. I am sure many of us have watched Sherlock Holmes movies/episodes where the famed detective pulls out a violin and plays a hauntingly beautiful piece. This album is what Holmes would be playing if he were alive today. It is rife with a beautiful variety of tunes from melancholy or bitterssweet to just plain fun. The Supporting cast for the album does what such a cast is supposed to do—be one with the lead. This is a beautiful album, and Johnny has shown that being 80+ does not necessarily hamper one's ability to perform at the top.

Track Listing: I Concentrate on You; Poor Butterfly; Cheek to Cheek; What is There to Say?; Nobody Else But Me; Try a Little Tenderness/Sweet and Lovely; Hair on the G-String; I Love You; Too Late Now/Street of Dreams; She Loves Me; Crystal Silence; Tanga; What'll I Do?

Personnel: Johnny Frigo-Violin;Bill Charlap-Piano (1,2,4,5,6,11,12);Frank Vignola-Guitar (3,7,8,9,10);Bucky Pizzarelli-Guitar;Nicki Parrott-Bass;Joe Ascione-Drums

Record Label: Arbors Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream