An Unusual but Inspired Pairing: Jazz Guitar and Cornet

Frank Vignola and Peter Ecklund Together at Watchung Arts Center

Successful musicians are busy on weekends. Very busy. When you want a particular pair of professionals together, it may only be possible on a weeknight. Watchung's Jazz Series has periodically booked top players for weeknight concerts when necessary, and they've done it again.

Guitarist Frank Vignola and cornetist Peter Ecklund will perform as a duet on Thursday evening, May 20 at the Watchung Arts Center. It's an unusual pairing, but they've toured Europe as a duo and it pleased the jazz-hungry audiences there. Tickets are only $10 for the 8 PM concert, including intermission snacks.

Frank Vignola has had two memorable New Jersey appearances earlier this year. At the Chickenfat Ball, a prestigious annual jazz party in January, his set as leader of an all-star ensemble

"tore the house down." And at the Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp, a major event with a 30 year tradition hosted by the New Jersey Jazz Society, his trio drew ovations from a crowd that had just enjoyed four larger groups. With spectacular fingering and a right hand that strums faster than the eye can follow, Frank Vignola has built a strong following among dedicated jazz fans throughout the country... and overseas.

Peter Ecklund is master of both cornet and trumpet, but he prefers the former's mellower timbre in the intimate Watchung gallery. He's been the leader on several previous visits, including some memorable tributes to Louis Armstrong. Peter was chosen by the Pennsylvania Jazz Society to lead their Bix Beiderbecke birthday concert this year, and has been booked as leader for several important festival dates this summer. His transcriptions of the great solos by Bix and Louis are the definitive works used by other horn players.

The room is likely to be filled, even on a Thursday, so advance reservations are advised. They may be made by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a voice mail message outside of the afternoon office hours. Tickets will be waiting at the door.