"Through my experience I've learned to be kind and supportive to the young talent trying to make a career in music. We must let them in and share our knowledge. For they are the future."

Jerry Vivino: Heart, Soul and Passion!

Jerry Vivino was born to Emily and Jerry Vivino, Sr. on January 8th, 1954, in Paterson, New Jersey. Music and art was an everyday thing in the Vivino household during Jerry's childhood and throughout his adolescence. Influenced by both his parents, Jerry couldn't help but to be exposed to the likes of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker as well as Count Basie, Dinah Washington, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. In 1968, when Jerry was 14, he bought his favorite album, Jethro Tull's, "This Was", and he still owns it to this day, keeping it in excellent condition. He also loved Al Kooper's original Blood Sweat and Tears, and their first recording, "Child Is Father To The Man" was his favorite. Jerry also actually wore out all of Chicago's first three albums! Other favorites of his back then included Elton John, The Beatles, James Taylor and especially Sly and the Family Stone. Jerry listened to a lot of R&B and Funk as well. And because of brother Jimmy's stereo speakers infiltrating into his room more often than not, he ended up being exposed to A LOT of Jimi Hendrix.               (Jimmy Vivino / Photo by Dr. Zoet)

Jerry toured with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons in 1978 and 1979. Jerry did not want to continue with lengthy tours, and wanted to make a living in New York, so he got off the road and started working steadily in the tri-state area. Jingle work and show work quickly followed. Jerry found himself working with Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, to name a few, and played in the band in many Broadway shows. Jerry has played with Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Son Seals, Paul Shaffer, Frankie Valli, Al Kooper, Dion, James Brown, Phoebe Snow, Donald Fagen, Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis and the legendary Keely Smith, to name just a few.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

I believe that music speaks a universal language. It can change your mood, make you smile, make you cry, relax you or even excite you. You don't need to speak the language of another culture to understand that culture's music. You just have to listen and appreciate the music. As far as what moment changed my music life the most goes, that moment is constantly changing. From Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to John Coltrane's Giant Steps I have always strived to expand my musical expression and knowledge. When you are done learning you are done. But the change through music in my life came when I became a member of The Max Weinberg 7. I was blessed with a 25-plus year run in the house band for Conan O'Brien's Late Night T.V. shows.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My sound and my music philosophy? As you know I am a doubler. I play all of the single reeds. Saxes, flutes, clarinets, recorders and Irish penny whistle. To keep my sound at a world class level it takes practice. My philosophy is practice makes perfect. Whether you are playing Happy Birthday or Donna Lee, play it to the best of your ability. Play it with heart and soul. Play it like you mean it. The balance between technique and soul? Technique or skill can be taught. Soul or emotion comes from within. The balance of the two in my opinion is that you need to practice developing your technical skills on any instrument. Once you get to that level of virtuosity you must then learn what not to play. When improvising, the mistake many make is playing too many notes. Soulful playing comes from within. Slow down and breathe.          (Jimmy Vivino / Photo by Dr. Zoet)

"Music has always been a voice in social change. Antiwar movements and music from Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Joan Baez are example part of the 1960's protests against the Viet Nam war and civil rights. Eugene McDaniel's 1969 song Compared To What covers war, racism, religion and politics."

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

Twenty-five plus years on television gave me so many memories. Prior to that run on the Conan show also has left me with many wonderful musical memories. But the one that stands out is the 2009 Super Bowl show with Bruce Springsteen. It was an incredible half time show. Need I say more?

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss most today in music is the recording sessions. I was fortunate to have experienced both the NY and Los Angeles recording scene. The phone would ring, and a contractor would book you at a studio for a jingle, record or movie date. Playing live in the studio with other musicians does still exist, but not on an everyday session basis. Today I have been recording at home creating wave files for producers. I'm sent tracks that will include rhythm section, strings, brass and vocals. I add the sax tracks, flutes, clarinets etc. etc. etc. The sessions with my colleagues has been diminishing. I miss recording live with other musicians. My hopes for the future is that the recording business will survive for young players on their way up. My fears are A.I. (Artificial Intelligence).

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has always been a voice in social change. Antiwar movements and music from Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Joan Baez are example part of the 1960's protests against the Viet Nam war and civil rights. Eugene McDaniel's 1969 song Compared To What covers war, racism, religion and politics.

That era to me depicts when music was changing the world. These and also The Beatles had a positive impact on the people, the listeners. Today we must also address the fact that there has been a negative impact and influence that has come from the glorification of violence.                       (Jerry Vivino & Jimmy Vivino / Photo by Dr. Zoet)

"Technique or skill can be taught. Soul or emotion comes from within. The balance of the two in my opinion is that you need to practice developing your technical skills on any instrument. Once you get to that level of virtuosity you must then learn what not to play. When improvising, the mistake many make is playing too many notes. Soulful playing comes from within. Slow down and breathe."

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The important message that I've learned through music is that if you are fortunate enough to earn a living by playing music, embrace the opportunity that your talents and hard work has given you and be thankful. When I was coming onto the music scene, circa 1976 in N.Y.C. I somehow found my way to enter the wonderful world of music. The door was opened for me by older, established musicians. They were kind, supportive and extremely helpful in teaching me what not to do. Through my experience I've learned to be kind and supportive to the young talent trying to make a career in music. We must let them in and share our knowledge. For they are the future.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I think that all music is relevant today, as it has always been. My music is a mix of straight-ahead jazz, blues and R&B. I present it to any generation that might be at hand at my shows. Jazz is an artform that is sometimes mis-understood by so many listeners. My sets are a mix of say Louie Jordan meets Sonny Rollins meets Van Morrison, meets John Coltrane, meets Louie Prima, Meets Jerry Vivino. I get great joy when people approach me, both young and old after a show and say.... I never knew that jazz could be so much fun!

Why do you think that the Jazz and R&B music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Because it's roots, blues and as American as apple pie.

Jerry Vivino - Home

(Jerry Vivino, Jesse Williams, Fred Walcott, and Tash Neal at Iridium NYC 2022 / Photo by Dr. Zoet)