Jimmy Vivino: Gonna Be 2 of Those Days Review
Gulf Coast Records scored a major victory when they signed Jimmy Vivino, who promptly launched a killer debut album with the new label. With the official release on February 14, Gonna Be 2 of Those Days is a solid 11-track album from start to finish.
With all songs written by Vivino, it weaves together a strong tapestry of great guitar and vocal work punctuated by colorful keyboard and harp accents. It is also a commentary on current events and days gone by, all enveloped in an enjoyable and highly-listenable 56 minutes of blues. Clearly, Vivino has a lot to say and is not afraid to do so.
Vivino has enjoyed a long and successful career, most notably as the leader of the Conan O’Brien house band but also dozens of collaborations with many of the best musicians of our time. The pre-release announcement right here in Blues Rock Review listed the extensive collaborations and endorsements Vivino has garnered. So it’s great to see him among the ranks of the premier touring blues greats.
The album offers a diverse collection but it features lyrics that tell a story in each of the tracks. The diversity is apparent before ever dropping the needle as guest credits include Joe Bonamassa and John Sebastian, while the multi-talented Vivino contributes acoustic and electric guitars, Hammond B3, piano and vocals.
The opening track is “Blues in the 21st,” and it pulls no punches with open commentary on the growing divide of understanding in the nation and a metaphor of continued use of pandemic masks among those with hidden agendas. With a heavier feel and intoxicating rhythm, it features Bonamassa and slide guitar. “Ain’t Nuthin’s Gonna Be Alright,” has a cool vibe with a film noir/Peter Gunn feel to it. It also sets the tone for the narrative style songwriting to follow throughout the album.
“Ruby Is Back,” and “Shady Side Of The Street,” carry more traditional blues themes with warnings to stay clear of dangerous women and places. Both feature contagious melodies and nice instrumental breaks.
The title track, “Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days,” is a more traditional blues theme featuring classic Vivino guitar with inspired contributions of piano and B3. Lyrics focus on a more personal rough patch, managing to throw in a casual mention of Canned Heat, perhaps in an homage to Vivino’s recent work with that iconic band on Finyl Vinyl.
“Beware The Wolf” is undoubtedly a commentary on the current political situation. It’s a funky, bright tune featuring honky-tonk style piano of Healy but with a modern warning wrapped up in a traditional cautionary tale.
“Better Days Past” is an upbeat number with solid Vivino guitar. It also features Scott Healy on accordion and piano. With insightful, intelligent and poetic lyrics, it also looks back fondly on days long gone.
“Fool’s Gold” is a memorable slow blues offering with classic cutting, sharp guitar tempered with the smooth Hammond B3 organ. It’s followed by a catchy stroll with the more traditional theme of a love story entitled, “Crossed My Mind”.
“Goin’ Down Fast” is a swampy, zydeco tune with a stark commentary on climate change and man’s penchant for focusing on trivial and selfish goals.
“Back Up Country,” giving a nod to Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, laments modern changes to remembered places. As might be expected, it’s a stripped-down tune featuring the harp and acoustic guitar of Sebastian.
Today, with so little revenue getting to the artists through digital media, albums like this one serve as important previews of live shows and upcoming tour dates. Fortunately, for Jimmy Vivino, and blues fans in general, he will be busy touring in the coming months. Check out his schedule at jimmyvmusic.com.
The Review 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Blues In The 21s
– Ruby Is Back
– Fool’s Gold
– Ain’t Nuthin’s Gonna Be Alright
The Big Hit
– Ain’t Nuthin’s Gonna Be Alright
