Born in
Paterson, New Jersey, on January 10, 1955,[2] Vivino grew up in
Glen Rock, New Jersey. He attended
Glen Rock High School[3] where he played
Tevye in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. He had an interest in music from a young age. He began working in New York clubs in the early 1980s[4] and in 1984 was musical director of the play Leader of the Pack.[5][6] Later he led "Jimmy Vivino and the Black Italians" and worked with
Al Kooper.[7] Kooper considered Vivino to be one of his "discoveries" and had him as musical director for fifteen years.
Vivino divides his time between recording sessions and live gigs throughout the country. In addition to his solo work, Vivino plays with the successful
Beatles tribute band
The Fab Faux.[8] Vivino has also recorded and played live with such legends as
Johnnie Johnson,
Hubert Sumlin,
Levon Helm, and
Al Kooper. Earlier in his career, Vivino got his start producing, playing, and arranging for such artists as
Phoebe Snow,
Laura Nyro,
John Sebastian, and
Donald Fagen.
Partial discography
Novemberin' - Shuggie Otis (Guitar) (2008)
Live at Lucilles – Michael Packer Blues Band (Guitar) (2007)
Live at Sweet Rhythm – Michael Packer Blues Band (Guitar) (2007)
Mule-A-Go-Go – New Year's Eve 2005–2006 (Special Guest) (2006)
Alone Together (2005)
Steaks & Chops: Live at Great Jones, Volume 1 (Guitar) (2005)
Blues in the Blood -
Big Bill Morganfield (Guitar, Mandolin, Organ, Piano, Producer) (2003)
Best of M.C. Records 1996–2002 (Guitar) (2003)
Remedy (Vocals) (2002)
Different Shade of Red: The Woodstock Sessions –
Louisiana Red (Organ, Guitar, Mandolin, Director, Producer, Horn Arrangement) (2002)
Crazy Kind of Life – Bill Perry (Organ, Guitar, Piano, Vocals, Producer) (2002)
Respond, Volume II (Guitar) (2002)
Live at Manny's Car Wash - Rhett Tyler (Guitar) (2001)
Rare & Well Done: The Greatest and the Most Obscure Recordings –
Al Kooper (position?) (2001)
No Small Wonder – Liz Quelar (Electric Guitar) (2001)
Fire It Up – Bill Perry (2001) (Co-producer/Guest Instrumentalist)