18 year old jazz guitar phenomenon Henry Acker @ Frank Vignola's Guitar Night @ Birdland

Frank Vignola, Henry Acker, Ted Rosenthal, Gary Mazzaroppi, Vince Cherico @Birdland Guitar Night. Every Wednesday night is Frank Vignola's Guitar Night at Birdland in NYC. Click here for the upcoming guests joining Frank, Vince and Gary. www.frankvignola.com/

[@jintymcginty1469]

This man Henry Acker has inspired me to actually give up playing my guitars and sell them. Thank you

[@mariomartinic9247]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jsore]

I might up you one and just burn mine. Seriously, that kid is amazing.

[@Silvertongue8]

😅😅😅😅

[@marknelms9088]

Henry Acker would not want either of you, nor anyone else to stop playing because of his abilities. As the old saying goes, "Don't lighten up, tighten up!" Find a guitarist that's better than you, and ask them to play with you. If Henry Acker is close, ask him. He might say, "Yes."

[@trallfraz]

no stomach to better yourself????

[@jazzguitarcollege]

18 years old, and a guest performer at Birdland. Awesome.

[@trekex7374]

Wow! Wow 😂

[@theverseshed]

Totally agree. Pretty good piano improv as well and drums and . . .well, let's face it, nobody less than a maestro in this band.

[@marKism69]

Ridiculous. I hate KZbin..

[@Dogsrule777]

I mean Henry is off the charts and Frank has the magic touch but can we please give it up for the bassist!?! That solo was so stinkin good-

[@joldisyri8936]

My thoughts exactly. He had the best licks. The bass players usually r the most technically proficient in bands, they have to be. Everyone of these cats tho were marvelous in their own right!

[@7777Lace]

Bassist is AWESOME 👏🏽

[@sm6jesse]

agreed. he had the most impressive solo. the drum was so tasty as well. overall just fabulous playing by all.

[@ajsolomon3791]

Totally agree!

[@biggstile]

Yes. It's harder than it looks. It's almost a lost art.

[@joepasco1420]

That bass player is fantastic.

[@jakuhavukainen4652]

ALLSO Niels henning look alike!

[@samsmith4216]

Gary Mazzaroppi. Played with Tal Farlow for years...amongst many others.

[@nicolaihusejacobsen9994]

Im better and I don´t even play bass

[@hamiltonmays4256]

@@nicolaihusejacobsen9994 I bet you're not better, actually. At anything.

[@silviobarrocas2415]

I agree!

[@jimporter5920]

The bassist is a magician

[@Acemechanicalservices]

It amazes me that an 18 year old can have this type of grasp on the idiom. He must have hip parents.

[@luvpants2012]

Yeah I'm 54 and I still can't grasp it well lol

[@PaulAshley]

AND perform flawlessly in front of an audience, including the pros he's playing with!

[@trallfraz]

yeah....and a heck-of-a- jazz teacher!!

[@thomaspkratz]

Or they are metal heads and he needed something to be different :-)

[@TM-jo4wz]

And teachers.

[@beingsentient]

Even the older guys are getting better. The two guitars, piano, and bass players. Unbelievable. And even the old song goes over the top. This goes on every week?!

[@danielibarra0796]

I like the work of the drummer and bassist. Both do their job discreetly but precisely, without show. In my country about this kind of experience it is often said "an old dog barks lying down."

[@SameBasicRiff]

Wonderful stuff all around indeed, and props to the piano player too!

[@samsmith4216]

Gary Mazzaroppi on Bass is awesome.

[@alainvosselman9960]

Cool expression !

[@mer1red]

I notice a good dose of gypsy influences in Henry's playing. A talented boy.

[@Jay-cp9kd]

Absolutely…. Reminds me of Berelli Lagrene

[@Ubu987]

He's certainly holding the plectrum gypsy style.

[@Acemechanicalservices]

He’s like an 18 year old Emmet Ray! (All kidding aside, I hear a lot of Wes Montgomery, and not just the octaves)

[@colinpadley1897]

That's what I was thinking. I can hear the great Birelli Lagrene all over it.

[@ianhope3203]

There everywhere

[@franciscolopez3229]

This kid is gonna go a long way. Overall, bravo to all of them.

[@xv621]

Not really usually when you developed early in life you plateau at around 30.

[@paulhaynes561]

Jazz and this type of talent is not appreciated today in our society -- unfortunately, he will amount to anything -- a simple high school or college music teacher making essentially minimum wage. He will play in a wedding band on the weekends to make extra money, but he will struggle financially for the rest of his life. Welcome to America.

[@paulhaynes561]

edit: ...he will NOT amount to...

[@franciscolopez3229]

Well, that was just my own opinion.

[@qroluna]

@@paulhaynes561 That´s terrible!! and you are probably right

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

This kid has such a wonderful maturity in his playing. Bright future ahead for him IMHO.

[@pluaninoxc]

There're very few feelings that beat the joy of sharing the stage with one of your pupils and having them wipe the floor with you. When this happens, you know you've done good ❤

[@garcdonald]

He developed his chops and was taken under the wing of the great Olli Sokkeli' and violinist Jason Anick of the Rhythm Future Quintet.

[@ebythebeach]

Jimmy Vaughn knows

[@normanspurgeon5324]

Old Chinese saying- "if the student is not better than the teacher, the teacher is a failure"

[@guitarttimman]

Maybe, but, admit it, part of you wants to kick that boy's ass ! (Joking🤣)

[@tonyhall3845]

I feel that Frank "held back" a little as to not overshadow Henry. just my thought

[@saxprophet3602]

The drummer is so calm and amazing

[@yesto9676]

Your channel is about python?

[@saxprophet3602]

@@yesto9676 No, i am a software engineer... That's just my google profile photo

[@vitocorleone8323]

Ain't that Uncle junior from the sopranos?

[@thisandthat176]

The snare is a pure piece of beauty. Punchy, yet full of tone. And played by a real master... 🙂

[@wheelie63]

yeah.

[@joksal9108]

It’s not about the drummer.

[@BirdandDiz1957]

@@joksal9108hey…it’s always about the drummer!

[@wheelie63]

@@joksal9108 who says ?

[@OogaB0oga]

Truly. I just wish he would have switched to the dryer-sounding ride cymbal during the piano solo already. It felt like the brilliance from his 'main' ride wasn't needed in the frequency spectrum of the piano, whereas during the more 'mid-rangy' sounding guitar solo, when he went back to the more brilliant cymbal, the texture rounded things out more.

[@Earlvis]

“All of Me” is one of my favorites. This is a fantastic performance by all!

[@jazzfusionfan260]

The kid is excellent, way above his years. Great melodic and harmonic sense.

[@thatthingthatisaid65]

That was really exiting. The future is in good hands.

[@smallfaucet]

He'll get tired of jazz and move to metal \m/

[@nachfullbarertrank5230]

@@smallfaucet cmon, why not both... :p

[@smallfaucet]

@@nachfullbarertrank5230 Just a guess. I have been through so many phases of guitar playing. I still know about 25 jazz chords but love metal. \m/

[@jeanroy8283]

Real music played by real musicians who play perfectly together, cannot get better than this! Every band member is great! Thank-you for posting such fine talent!

[@peterewski]

I’d love to just hang around that place and listen to this wonderful band all evening. Great talent. As a drummer for many years (don’t play anymore) I can just imagine playing with these guys and loving it. Thank you for giving me those feelings again. ❤

[@stevenchurney2416]

Just Percuss. On Errythin. It all resonates. Easier than hauling around a drum kit 😆 🤣 😂 I find the Bass and treble in the wood or metal sometimes my dawg 😆 🤣

[@stevefeatherston4977]

Just incredible …. One of the best bass solos I have ever heard!

[@moeb4348]

The whole song is a bass solo, it's great!

[@darenreynolds8824]

Henry will never ever go hungry ! Amazing touch 👍

[@john3892]

Terrific. Everyone played their socks off!

[@rocketmanmarcb7696]

That is as good as it gets. An impressive assortment of highly qualified musicians.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

So much talent in this world-young people with God-given potential that are willing to work their fingers to the bone to become great.

[@KyryxKoopa]

HARD WORK and DEDICATION to the art is what pays off. Nothing is ever given. god is just there to diminish the talent that was grown.

[@carguy3460]

Each cat as prodigious as the next. The kid definitely has "it". Wow, most excellent.

[@pickersparadise]

Wow…… perfect !!!! hearing Wes, Charlie Christian …….. flawless , tasteful….. in short : this young guy has got it going on ! Right on!!!!!

[@magnus6003]

This put a smile on my face. Massive talent.

[@ajsolomon3791]

The whole band is outstanding!

[@sspotter1978]

Thanks for the goosebumps fellas ❤️🔥

[@samuelromero1763]

It’s just seems so effortless. It’s honestly astounding, and I can’t even imagine how many hours of practice he had. Sure he’s probably got an innate gift but still, he probably spent so long getting to that point.

[@jacquesvandermeer6668]

Django + Joe Pass

[@johnwilson1997]

@@jacquesvandermeer6668 Yeah thats right

[@Krispy1011]

He probably spent just as much time practicing as most great musicians spend practicing and learning! - duh!

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

True; great musicians work hard, but there are people that have spent their life trying to get to the same level as some that naturally get there with natural talent and understanding that seems to be in the blood or bones. Grows like hair out of the skulls of some, others like myself go bald before seeing a stage whether we've got "that thing" or not..

[@Jay-lr3me]

@@newfreenayshaun6651 I'm gonna have to politely disagree with natural talent, I think some people just start very young and learn the 'right way' plus a ridiculous amount of practice. This young man definitely didn't spend hundreds of hours noodling like I have lol

[@ScottAbene]

Got love when you make the drummer smile. Well done.

[@michaelhutchinson9413]

True ensemble playing means having a “conversation “ one person speaking at a time! How great is it when it’s NOT your turn, you’re in the background, comping and swinging together! Great rhythm section going on behind this young artist. Bravo Frank, drummer, and bassist! You guys are “bread” holding this sandwich together!

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Wowzer👍 this young Man sounds and plays as smooth and brilliant as any of the well known Greats from the 50s/60s. A testimony That you are a wonderful teacher Frank! Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸 band sounded great!

[@Ubu987]

Frank Vignola had to signal that they were modulating up a tone - they really did drop Henry Acker in the deep end, and he killed it! Nice ensemble playing!

[@peterdevalk7929]

Jimmy Rosenberg would be even better.

[@bconigliaro]

Where? Could you please post a time stamp?

[@bconigliaro]

8:00 I think I found it.

[@OogaB0oga]

haha thanks for pointing it out. I kind of just assumed that the modulation at the end had been rehearsed :D

[@shawnstarks1743]

Hours!!!!

[@cantstartafire]

Outstanding... Nothing but respect for these seasoned musicians mentoring this young man. Well done.

[@stringbender57]

Henry is impressive for such a young fellow. I love Frank and this entire band...top shelf players all the way around!!!

[@1000000trs]

Franky you're cool as the _"impresario"_ looking on in appreciation of the soloists, from center stage 👍🏼

[@leroydubois8794]

Wow, the young man is so awesome. Very inventive in his solo. He tried to hand-off 256 bars earlier but I guess Frank (?) told him to keep going. Just wonderful.

[@gben2457]

Great playing Frank, your future is bright.

[@NormanLor]

IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE INTO GREAT JAZZ TODAY!!

[@GCKelloch]

It's refreshing that young people are still into Jazz. Mr. Acker is so much more adept a player than I ever was, and very sophisticated improvising for his age. I would go as far as to call him a phenom.

[@christophedelamusiquedesar7878]

What a joy to listen to great jazz such as this by all of the wonderful musicians but it is such an enormous pleasure to have been introduced to the playing of this talented young man, Henry Acker by the brilliant Frank Vignola. I would love to see this all repeated at Ronnie Scotts in London. I will for sure come if still here. Let me know if possible. Thanks to all.

[@jamesrogers2963]

THAT is what I call a tight group. What fun to hear music done so well. Thank you, fellas, and the sky is yours young Mr. Acker!

[@guitargod6997]

Frank Vignola just knocks it out of the park! Experience and talent. Henry is on his way, too! Great musicianship all around including bass, piano and drums.

[@bryancivitell7598]

Beautiful Gibson ES175. I used to own one. Loved to play the blues on it.

[@music-collective]

just brilliant guitar playing ... lovely band too. 👏

[@alankeish6420]

Just fantastic thanks Frank for sharing these amazing concerts, you’re a great inspiration.

[@johnmanning4339]

I have a feeling we're gonna be hearing a lot more in the guitar world about this young man. Heartening to old time, swing jazz fans.

[@rgarlinyc]

Absolutely amazing - Henry Acker, you're absolutely amazing!👏🏻👏🏻

[@showbiz5776]

Fantastic at 18 years old! Great players overall with this young man making magic!

[@robertbourke7935]

Wow! Sensational. The whole band is magnificent.

[@tomsmyth4836]

You know you are doing well as a guitarist on stage when Frank stands back and watches.... wow 10/10.

[@americanbritton9827]

I just watched an interview with Lenny Kravits and he said he is excited about the up coming generation of musicians because more and kids are learning how play instruments real well and they actually appreciate older music. This song was fun and amazing 👏

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

He dealt with finishing too early like a pro. No issues. Thumbs up and bravo.

[@FC-cz6zd]

Of all the guitar styles out there, this is the one I wish I could be most competent. Great stuff👍

[@dsjwhite]

Wow, amazing, thank you

[@JackTheSkunk]

Henry's talent far outpaces his age. Great to see the young man sitting in with seasoned pros. I'm looking forward to him recording some CDs.

[@stanleykomonce8302]

i been looking for new stuff from him....thanks frank

[@deanchovan6604]

Thanks for posting this Frank. Really enjoyed it.

[@slydogtom]

So great !

[@oscarpalaciosruiz]

Beautiful!

[@fretlessblunder]

What a marvellous talent. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Well done all.

[@ethumlalo]

It's a hell of a ride, keep it up

[@BeachJazzMusic]

Killing it!

[@GaryMCurran]

Excellent!

[@sirchristopher7684]

Well done. Most guitarists get sloppy when they play fast. Henry has a great clean lead tone and good understanding of rhythm guitar as well.

[@parks-music-cafe]

Wow~~ Great! Excellent performance. I like this kind of music. Thank you for sharing nice music.

[@patrickbush9526]

They just get better every generation.

[@eddiekent1997]

Amazing Thanks

[@vincentkowski8466]

WOW that kid tears it up.

[@papagJazz]

Wow! Nice jazz lines. Very musical.

[@salimsefrioui8748]

Great sound from all of you guys❤

[@hadassah2998]

I loved this video, thank you for posting it, much talent!🥰

[@tonysimmons5729]

Both Django and Jeff Beck are smiling somewhere not only over the young guitarist but over this entire band.

[@jazziergf927]

Whoa !! Super bien Bravo !!!! now that's dedication ! 😲🤩😎❣🙏

[@impendingbloom]

just wonderful!

[@williambunter3311]

Incredible!!!

[@OTOss8]

Amazing. Just wish there were a few more people his age in the audience.

[@helseglad]

af hjertet tak for jer vidunderlige musikkere 😍

[@CharlesEBusa]

Amazing!

[@skippyhandleman1625]

This is great and I will be watching it again.

[@michaelshearer3559]

Love to see it. Frank is a true professional and educator.

[@grantkoeller8911]

ALL OF ME key of C concert, then up a 1/2 step to Db concert to end the tune!!

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Absolutely precious!!

[@dclome]

The kid is really good. Thank you

[@hishamferzli4133]

So refreshing to see a young man being passionate about Jazz …

[@phretbord]

Kid's on FIRE, he's an amazing talent for sure! 🤣😊👏🏆

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Well get a freaking fire extinguisher!!!🧯 Don't just stand there!!!🤪

[@picknngrinn]

Absolutely transfixing!

[@hypecycler3696]

All of you are great performers, a pleasure being able hearing you play from far, many many thanks!!

[@alexmarkowski3859]

I can feel the nervs I think he was a tad nervous but he pulled it off. Nice Job

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Bravo to all!! ❤

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Awesome playing Henry. ❤

[@douglasalan5783]

Holy moly! Brilliant.

[@petervrabcak5597]

Imagine having that much fun! Very talented people.

[@maxxblack1525]

Superb at 18! The young man tears it up!

[@thomasmartinscott]

Great, Henry! Thanks for having him on Frank.

[@damianbroodryk4290]

The trading fours was just superb. Henry is a class act and so is that bassist!

[@jimporter5920]

Holy she-it! Incredible! Thanks for posting

[@karenroberts8802]

Amazing Henry!

[@DocTheGuitar]

Incredible! Fantastic! Brilliant!

[@kentinspacetime5378]

All of Them, incredible players!