Frank Vignola and others lead ‘Guitar Summit’

Though he died in 1953 when he was only 43, Django Reinhardt left behind a legacy that continues to attract musicians from a broad age range.

Just how broad that range is will be demonstrated by the “Guitar Summit and Django Birthday Bash” that will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Chatham this Saturday.

The younger artists will be represented by bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and singer Audra Mariel.

At the other end of the spectrum is 94-year-old guitarist Al Caiola, who played the theme song from the TV series “Bonanza” and the movie “The Magnificent Seven.” He also played on “Mrs. Robinson” and “Runaway,” as well as songs by Frank Sinatra.

The man who assembled this talent is smack dab in the middle agewise: 49-year-old guitarist Frank Vignola. “It’s cool to be able to pay tribute to Django with the older generation and the younger generation,” he says.

The “guitar summit” features all the musicians (including rhythm guitarist Vinny Rainolo) will be on stage for the entire concert. “We’ll tell bad jokes so that the music will sound better,” Vignola says with a laugh.

What about the man whose music these six musicians are celebrating? Django Reinhardt was born Jan. 23, 1910, in Belgium to parents of Romanian descent. He is considered one of the first European performers to have an impact on jazz.

Vignola compares Reinhardt to Louis Armstrong in his influence. “Louis was mainly about the song,” Vignola says. “Django was about the playing. He was an incredible guitarist.”

In the earliest days of jazz, the guitar was considered a rhythm instrument that was secondary to more prominent instruments, such as the clarinet or trumpet or sax. That changed with the introduction of the first electric guitars.

“Once guitars went electric, they were able to be heard above the band,” Vignola says.

Reinhardt’s skill on the guitar is even more remarkable considering the fact he was seriously injured in a fire when he was 18. “He only had the use of two fingers on his left hand,” Vignola says.

When he was 25, Reinhardt joined with violinist Stephane Grappelli and three other musicians to form “Quintette du Hot Club de France.” This celebrated ensemble popularized the style called “gypsy jazz,” in a nod to Reinhardt’s Romanian heritage.

“They were like a gypsy bluegrass band, with the guitar and the violin,” Vignola says. “Their rhythms were so infectious, and they did it without drums.”

The popularity of Reinhardt’s style grew to the point where similar “hot clubs” sprang up around Europe and in America.

Reinhardt’s recordings are still enjoyed, Vignola says. “Every young serious guitar student knows Django, and that’s pretty cool.”

Vignola counts himself in their number. He says that Reinhardt and Grappelli’s 1935 recording of “Limehouse Blues” was one of the pieces of music that made him want to be a guitarist.

That inspiration will be on display at the concert in Chatham. “It’s great to have these guitar summits,” Vignola says. “Django inspired Al (Caiola). He inspired me. Now we’re hoping to make more people aware of him.”

GUITAR SUMMIT AND DJANGO BIRTHDAY BASH

WHAT: The gypsy jazz music pioneered by Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) is celebrated by an all-star line-up that includes guitarists Frank Vignola and Al Caiola, rhythm guitarist Vinny Rainolo, violinist Jason Annick, and vocalist Audra Mariel.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Presbyterian Church, 240 Southern Blvd., Chatham

TICKETS: $25

INFORMATION: 973-376-4946 or www.sanctuaryconcerts.org