Jimmy Vivino

Guitarist Jimmy Vivino, with producer Greg Williamson, created an exceptional Blues Revue for the Blues Foundation at B. B. Kings Club in New York City. The event featured a who s who of blues musicians, ranging from legends like Dion, Sam Moore, William Bell and John Sebastian to break-out young stars that won the hearts and souls of the audience. One could call it the night of two Kings. King Solomon Hicks is only 20 years old, but has been lead guitarist and performer for nine years at the Cotton Club. He already has four albums. Hicks proved he has the right stuff on the stage last night. Vivino discovered him next door at Lucille s, the small room in B.B. Kings Club. Remember the name Solomon Hicks. He s a rare performing talent, as well as a composer, and he burned up the stage last night. He left a major impression of this hard-core New York audience, who talked about him long after his performance. The other star of the night was Marcus King, a fellow South Carolinian. He grew up in Greenville, 35 miles from my hometown of Honea Path. He played shows as a pre-teen sideman with his father, bluesman Marvin King. He now leads his own Marcus King Band. The Marcus King Band s current self-named album, released last year, was produced by musician Warren Haynes and written entirely on the road and recorded during a series of sessions at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. The album also includes a number of the band s mentors and collaborators, including Derek Trucks (who plays guitar on "Self-Hatred") and Warren Haynes, who in addition to producing the album, added his slide guitar work on "Virginia." The album reached #2 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Both of these young men are the future of the blues and both proved it s in good hands last night to an audience they won over big time. In addition to the new comers, the legends were in full force with names like Dion, Sam Moore and William Bell providing the headliner acts. Dion has been performing long before most of the audience members were born. He was on the bill at the Winter Dance Party tour when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson died in 1959. He has just recorded an album with Vivino. Sam Moore, a legend with Sam and Dave, sang a new version of John Lennon s Imagine last night. It s on his new album and the man brought a level of soul to the song that made it new again. William Bell, who won a Grammy last year, is one of the last living soul legends. You knew it clearly when he performed the blues classic he wrote with Booker T. Jones, Born Under a Bad Sign. They had done the song for Albert King and it was later recorded by dozens of blues musicians. Notable on the bill was Catherine Russell, the jazz and blues vocalist. Russell was essentially born into the blues. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong's long-time musical director, and her mother, the late Carline Ray, held degrees from both Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music and performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm during World War II. Also performing in the revue was Shemekia Copeland, Ruthie Foster, Bob Margolin, Joe Louis Walker, Bill Sims, Eric Krasno, Scott Sharrard and an all-star house band. It was a great night of the blues.

Tremendous show organized and led by Jimmy Vivino. Top talent core band (drums, bass, keyboards and horns) was terrific. Excellent guest artists (nice mix of young & old, guys & gals). A good vibe all night, lots of onstage appreciation for each other's talents. Very impressive that the band could be so tight and move from song to song with hardly a pause, as if they had been playing together for years. Kudos to Jimmy for making it all work so well. Can't say the same for BBKings. Way overpriced food ($22 for a burger) and a crowd that would rather talk than listen. Not easy seeing the stage with all the cell phones waving, plus one "photographer" was allowed to have his point and shoot on a tripod all night. (gave the venue 5 stars because I wouldn't want the show to have anything less. the venue deserves 2 stars, tops)

What a nite! Jimmy Vivino knows how to put a show together. The talent was off the charts with highlights for me from Scott Sharrard and Marcus King. Of course Jimmy is an incredible musician and as always, he delivered. Many standing ovations during the night and BB King's was simply on fire! So far the very best show I've seen this year... and I have seen many!

Saw Jimmy Vivino's NYC Blues Revue. Three hours of non-stop music. Sell out crowd! It was a Blues Foundation Benefit Concert and I was glad to participate. Wish I could have had a list of all the performers cause I can't even remember everyone who was there. 30+ musicians. Ended up with Sam Moore and Dion who left the crowd on their feet. Just a fantastic show.

Although the show was amazing and seeing the many blues and soul greats was an absolute treat and the fact we would get tix again, the American Express preferred seating is a complete joke at this venue. I felt completely misled when arriving at the venue and had even called the club to level set seating expectations. Don't pretend to offer a service that is not honored at the venue. It's offensive. We had an excellent waitress and the food selection was good if you want to come early to get a decent seat.

Jimmy Vivino brought a great array of talent to this benefit including amazing guitarists such as Marcus King, Tash Neal, Gary Clarke Jr., Scott Sharrard and Joe Luis Walker.

As an avid fan of Levon Helm and The Band, I have attended many concerts both in Woodstock and surrounding venues in the tri-state area. This was my first time at the Keswick Theatre and I must say that the sound in this venue is by far the best I've ever heard. This tribute to The Band is a must see for all who share the love of Levon and his music. The highlight of the evening was Garth Hudson playing the 200 year old pipe organ. This will be etched in my memory forever!

Concert started late .Couldn't stay awake. Seemed disorganized. Left before it was over missed Stage Fright and The Weight. Got tired of waiting for the familiar songs. Didn't like Vivino's attitude. Even the barmaids had a take it or leave it attitude. This entire venue needs a makeover and new management.

Garth was better than ever, Randy held his own ondrums and vocals. Jimmy Weider's solos on the guitar were exceptional. Closed my eyes and Vivino became Manuel. The sound man made a comeback for the second set. Don't understand The Sister Thing. I think they're going to build on a successful performance. peace

We are fortunate to have this show in the Delaware Valley on the 36th anniversary of The Last Waltz.

This was a great show at the Keswick! Music sounded great and they played with one intermission. They started 15 minutes late but we did not leave will close to midnight.They played all the great songs. Loved "Jawbone" and of course "the Weight" Also Sister Maude was awesome.