Search - Vivino Brothers :: Blues Band

The Vivino Brothers are saxophonist and vocalist Jerry and guitarist and vocalist Jimmy. They're familiar to millions as two of the Max Weinberg 7, talk-show host Conan O'Brien's Late Night band. As for the Vivino Brothers' music, it's terrifically infectious. This is far more than a simple blues session, with the Vivino sextet relying heavily on organist Brian Charette for a 1960s soul-jazz vibe that's pervasive--and completely killer. Their ultrahep look at Curtis Mayfield's "Pusher Man" merges 1970s funky soul with Rahsaan Roland Kirk-like flute, pushing the band deeply (and organically) into the acid-jazz fields. The set opens with "Fat Burns," a greasy, organ-fueled jam that invokes every saxophone-colored musical stream since bebop, and closes with the silken, tender "Family Affair," which recalls countless organ and sax combos from the '60s. But the brothers have a strong fondness, as well, for '70s vibes, which come to life vividly on Van Morrison's churning "Feedback Out on Highway 101." This is literate, smart, inspired playing, all of it topnotch. --Andrew Bartlett