Blues Band
The Vivino Brothers are saxophonist and vocalist Jerry and guitarist and vocalist Jimmy. They're familiar to millions as two of theMax Weinberg 7, talk-show host Conan O'Brien'sLate Nightband. 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 atCurtis Mayfield's "Pusher Man" merges 1970s funky soul withRahsaan 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 onVan Morrison's churning "Feedback Out on Highway 101." This is literate, smart, inspired playing, all of it topnotch.--Andrew Bartlett