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JIM "KIMO" WEST & DAVID VITO GREGOLI, "Fragile"

Jonathan Widran

Since recording it on his second solo album Nothing Like the Sun in 1987, Sting’s graceful evergreen ballad “Fragile” has been one of the most covered/re-interpreted songs in his vast catalog, with dozens of versions in genres ranging from R&B (Isaac Hayes, Take 6, Brian McKnight) to traditional jazz (Billy Childs Trio, Cassandra Wilson), smooth jazz (Kirk Whalum, Michael Lington), rumba flamenco (Jesse Cook) and Latin music (Rhythms Del Mundo).


Veteran genre-transcendent guitarists David Vito Gregoli and Jim “Kimo” West, whose exquisite and intricate yet boldly adventurous new duo version is perhaps the most intoxicating pure acoustic interpretation yet, lay the foundational anticipation for their immersive sonic experience by saying, “Sting’s signature song shines no matter who covers it. Its poetic emotion is transcendent in every version.”


In 2020, West released a hypnotic solo rendition as a single just before dropping his More Guitar Stories album. When Gregoli heard it, he was immediately inspired to create a vibrant ensemble arrangement, adding a unique array of instruments, including South American charango, nylon and 12 string acoustic guitars (to complement West’s acoustic and soprano guitars), fretless bass and synth.


The track begins with a sweeping synth wash effect and a beautiful introductory resonating swirl of strings before easing into an initially straightforward reading of the introductory melody, backed by a subtle bass harmony. The bass adds a bit of emotional gravitas to the duo’s sparkling and sultry yet sweetly intimate dance, with different guitars playing melody and harmony until they unify on the opening strains of the sweeping chorus. At the conclusion of the first chorus, they introduce a freewheeling section featuring a soulful, high toned improvisation with tremolo effects on strings that sound like mandolin. Gregoli and West lock in here, turning Sting’s poignancy into a masterful and intuitive string rapport.


When they usher the hook back in, they add an extra sense of plucky multi-tone improv over the free-flowing, moody bass energy. Though the arrangement feels like finely woven tapestry of strings and accompanying sonics, Gregoli and West make it feel like an effortless jam session between good friends who can read each other’s musical minds.


With so many versions of “Fragile” over the past 37 years, it’s an amazing feat to create one that feels as essential as this one. Hopefully, this is just the first of many duet endeavors from these masterful artists!       

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