Album Notes

Gypsybilly, created by The Vignatis, blends English and French vocals with Gypsy orchestration including acoustic guitar, clarinet, accordion and violin, swingin’ drivin’ rockin’ drum beats with modern/vintage instrumentation of electric guitar and upright slap bass as used in Rock-a-Billy. In addition, the Southern twang of honky tonk-esque piano and pedal steel season the overall sound.

The thumbprint of up-tempo drums of Gypsybilly’s forefathers has been embellished by varying tempi accompanied by slap and intermittent, walking bass. The distinctive, percussive Gypsy guitars escort drums at fast tempi cited in "13.5", mid tempi in "The Little Pink Clarinet", a waltz feel in "For You, I’d go to the Moon" and slow tempi with tremolo and Bolero-esque rhythms in the instrumental "Reverie Savoyarde", creating a signature sound.

The common use of reverb and tape delay in the electric instruments of Rockabilly has been implemented in Gypsybilly by the electric guitar, clarinet and primarily reverb on the acoustic rhythm guitar. The unorthodox use and sound of the clarinet in an electric context adds a unique, nostalgic vibe exhibited in "Somehow, Someday". Further yet, the 1950s’ added effects augment the natural timbre of the “licorice stick” evident in "Inherent to Existence" creating an innovative, modern spin to Gypsybilly. Fancy electric rhythm guitar picking and Hot Rod licks remain. The electric lead guitar creates a fresh stamp by conjoining Rockabilly and Gypsy licks. This is displayed in "Just for a Day". The acoustic lead guitar is mentored by the revolutionary two-finger technique of Django Reinhardt. Gypsybilly’s choice of standard major and minor chords are infrequent with the preference being the major 6th and minor 6th by the two pompes,…“La Pompe” on beats 2 and 4 and “La Pompe Renversée” on beats 1 and 3. This is utilized in many of the songs with chromatic chord progressions and vocals oftentimes following these progressions as reflected in "Build a World of Peace".

The songwriting is fun, lively and meaningful whether it be a Gypsybilly vocal or instrumental. The vocals range from intense to playful, gritty to legit, diatonic to chromatic, delivering lyrical messages on topics from life’s struggles, childhood insecurities, love, travels and world peace. Birth of the Gypsybilly is a musical birth..........a worldwide journey at the dawn of the 21st Century.

Fabrice Vignati – Vocals, Guitars
Tracy Vignati – Vocals, Clarinet, Piano

Bernie Dresel – Drums
John “Spazz” Hatton – King Doublebass
Charlie Bisharat – Violin (5, 7, 12)
Chris Allen Burke – Pedal Steel (5, 9, 13, 15)
Gigi Lynn Rabe – Accordion (4, 12)
Nikko Vignati – Vocals (7)
Sachi Vignati – Vocals (7)

Reviews:
"...Inventing a new genre of music called "Gypsybilly", the L.A. based Vignatis are making lots of new friends with their 2009 CD.... Birth Of The "Gypsybilly" is a cool little CD for fans of swing guitar greats,, from ‘50s rocker Scotty Moore to the 2000 sounds of Brian Setzer." Music Web Express 3000(20th Century Guitar Mag)

"Django meets Scotty Moore in Fabrice and Tracy Vignati's signature Gypsybilly. With the instrumentation of
Gypsy Jazz - highlighted by hot and stylish Django-esque runs - this is a cross-cultural melting pot au feu.Fun and Funky" MD/Vintage Guitar Mag/June 2009