Hyena Records to Release '33 1/3' debut from The Frank & Joe Show

On May 11th, 2004 Hyena Records will release 33 1/3, the debut recording from The Frank & Joe Show, featuring virtuoso guitarist Frank Vignola and master percussionist Joe Ascione. The record delights the listener with a seamless blend of gypsy swing and island grooves, modern jazz and classic pop standards, all filtered through soaring acoustic roots improvisation. The “Frank & Joe sound" has been stirring every Sunday night at the New York City nightclub Sweet Rhythm, and was expertly captured in the studio by legendary record producer Joel Dorn for what will be the group's debut album. On the title of this recording, Dorn explains, “It alludes to a time when albums were magnificent two act plays that had a beginning, middle and an end. When vinyl went away, we lost the precious few seconds it takes to turn the record over and give your brain a chance to cleanse its palate. Even though 33 1/3 lives on CD, it is an album at heart." 33 1/3 will be in stores May 11th, 2004.

Highlights on 33 1/3 include a lightning quick version of “Flight of the Bumblebee," a down home, grooving rendition of The Doobie Brothers' “Long Train Running," a humorously virtuosic take on the theme from “Spiderman," and stunning originals such as “Mozart Jam" and “Sweet Rhythm." Special guests on 33 1/3 include Crescent City legend Dr. John (on “The Sheik of Araby"), critically acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit (on “Besame Mucho") and vocalist Janis Siegel of Manhattan Transfer (on “Don't Fence Me In"). Trumpeter Steven Bernstein and violinist Charlie Burnham also make guest appearances, adding their subtle touch to “Tico, Tico" and “Besame Mucho."

A world class guitar player, Frank Vignola was born and raised in Long Island, New York. Inspired by family, many of whom were musicians, he was playing guitar by the age of six. Working professionally by 12, he began doubling on the banjo, for which he was crowned the Grand National Banjo Champion of Canada at 13 years old. From early on his influences were diverse, ranging from Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass and Les Paul to Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and Bach, all sources from which he still draws to this day. Over a 20-year career, he's recorded as a leader for a variety of labels including Concord, Nagel-Heyer and David Grisman's Acoustic Disc, while enjoying steady work as a sideman with the likes of Les Paul, Hank Jones and Mark O'Connor. Frank Vignola is also the founding member of Hot Club USA, a group born of the unforgettable sounds created in Paris in the 1930s by Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. Vignola & Hot Club USA was formed in 1997 as a celebration of the music of these two legendary artists. Hot Club USA has toured extensively in the United States and Europe.

A dazzling polyrhythmic percussionist, Joe Ascione was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Also the product of a musical family, it was clear that the drums were in his future when he was keeping time on his mother's pots and pans by the age of four. Counting Gene Krupa, Jo Jones and Buddy Rich among his greatest influences (having served as a roadie for the latter in his teenage years), Ascione has toured the world and appeared on over 60 albums as a sideman, in the process becoming one of the most in-demand drummers in the business. s a leader, he's recorded two critically acclaimed albums, Post No Bills and My Buddy (A Tribute To Buddy Rich).

Frank and Joe first met at a gig circa 1989 in Long Island. They immediately struck a friendship and it was only a matter of weeks before Vignola invited Ascione to fill in for his regular drummer on an upcoming gig. Awed by Ascione's rhythmic prowess, it was only a few more weeks before Vignola dismissed his full time drummer and added Joe to the fold permanently. The two have been working and touring together ever since.

The resounding musical energy Frank & Joe generate is contagious, leaving no doubt as to why they're considered one of the most exciting acoustic groups in all of music today. As producer Joel Dorn declares, “I knew these guys were the real thing from the first time I saw them."

The Frank & Joe Show's debut album, 33 1/3 is a “snapshot" version of their live show, capturing the myriad of influences they share, while spotlighting their great joyous affection for a long gone period in American music.

Look for the debut album 33 1/3 from THE FRANK & JOE SHOW on May 11th, 2004

Catch the Frank & Joe Show at Sweet Rhythm every Sunday starting March 21st. Sweet Rhythm is located at 88 Seventh Avenue South in NYC.