For nearly every weeknight over the past two decades, Jimmy Vivino has been on network television as Conan O’Brien‘s guitarist. For much of those 20-plus years, Jimmy has also been Conan’s bandleader and chief arranger. For many performers, that alone would be plenty to do, yet Jimmy Vivino was a steadily-working musician before coming into the Conan fold, and continues to be one within his off-hours from television.
Another one of Jimmy’s main gigs over the years has been with The Fab Faux. Also featuring bassist Will Lee (who was in David Letterman‘s band for over 30 years), drummer Rich Pagano (Patti Smith, Ray Davies), guitarist Frank Agnello (Marshall Crenshaw, Al Kooper) and keyboardist Jack Petruzzelli (Rufus Wainwright, Ian Hunter), The Fab Faux is a Beatles tribute act like no other. The group is not only able to pull off deep cuts that few other Beatles tribute acts would dare to cover, but often does it with full orchestration. Furthermore, the members of The Fab Faux are well-versed in the catalogs of both The Beatles and the members’ solo careers. In turn, The Fab Faux is the rare sort of tribute act that can headline in a theater-size venue.
In support of The Fab Faux’s October 24th appearance at The Beacon Theatre – with horns, strings and a choir in tow – Jimmy answered some questions about what is to be expected from the upcoming uptown gig. He also provided insight into what a day on the Conan show is like these days. Ultimately, Jimmy came across as someone who is not only skilled and dedicated to his craft, but as someone who still has a lot that he wants to accomplish professionally.
For the past few years, you’ve been living and working in Los Angeles yet also still finding time for gigs in New York. Is there a secret to pulling off the bi-coastal lifestyle well?
Jimmy Vivino: There’s no secret, other than having a great job that does not keep me from working on other projects of interest and…JetBlue had a great redeye flight to New York daily.
What is a typical work day like for you nowadays? Do you still play a gig on most days after filming, or is that more of a New York City thing?
J: I usually roll into work at 9 a.m. to do some writing or recording of show-related music. Then a 10 a.m. production meeting followed by preparing that day’s music for a 12 p.m. band rehearsal with the Basic Cable Band – that’s when the cats show up. Then a 1 p.m. rehearsal with Conan and the cast and crew followed – sometimes — by lunch at 2 p.m. Then makeup, wardrobe etc. for a 4:30 p.m. live taping. So 9 a.m.-6 p.m…then off to play anywhere that I can!
Do you think that there are any misconceptions about working on a popular talk show?
J: Basically that musicians show up an hour before taping and put in an easy two-hour day. Although this is true for some shows, not us. We’ve been doing it going on 23 years the way I described.
You have worked extensively as a Music Director, arranger, producer and sideman, but is there a part of the performance world you haven’t yet conquered which you still want to conquer? Did you ever want to co-write for other artists?
J: I have done co-writing with John Sebastian, John Tiven, John Hahn and Shemekia Copeland, just to name a few. But there’s so much really I have yet to do, like a solo gig with just an acoustic guitar, and I would like to, if I can get the nerve up. I so admire people who do that.
You perform every night with your brother Jerry in the Conan band, yet I’m not aware of you performing anytime recently with your brother Floyd. What are the odds of a Vivino Family event in the future?
J: It’s harder now with Floyd being on the East Coast all the time, but never say never.
On the WTF? podcast, you talked about what a great experience it was to be a part of the Deja View special. Are there any living performers who you haven’t yet played with who you still dream of collaborating with?
J: Neil Young immediately comes to mind. That is a dream.
On WTF? you also addressed the rumor that you helped get Donald and Walter from Steely Dan back together. Did you ever get a fruit basket for that?
J: No, a fruit basket from Donald and Walter would be akin to a funeral wreath! (laughs) But I’m still in touch with both and still have the highest regard for their work and friendship.
What makes The Fab Faux unique from other Beatles tributes?
J: No wigs, boots and suits, rubber noses, corny accents…Just bringing the records to the stage with world-class musicians for 17 years now.
What is planned for the John Ono Lennon 75th birthday tribute event that makes it different from any other Fab Faux gig?
J: All John songs – Beatles and post-Beatles – with strings, horns, and choir. An event not to be missed!
Might The Fab Faux ever do another show in which only post-Beatles solo material is performed?
J: We have often and will again, I am sure.
Is there a Jimmy Vivino album in the works at the moment?
J: Yes, actually done with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Johnnie Johnson, Mike Merritt, James Wormworth, Richard Bell, Jim Weider, Randy Ciarlante, and John Sebastian. Cut some 15 years ago in Levon’s barn in Woodstock. Guys kept passing over to the other side so I keep putting it off. But if anybody wants to put it out, I may.
Finally, Jimmy, any last words for the kids?
J: Get your noses out of your computers and start a rock & roll band with your friends.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
