Jimmy Vivino - Fab Faux Review

By Quabidt

(All photos on this page taken at an earlier Fab Faux gig.)

saw the fab fo sho on tuesday nite. i had promised a friend that i would get tix and then saw that wed nite was sold out. called the box office and they had 12 tickets left. i drove in the Monday after the major big snow storm and got tix for me, cuzin feeyup and paul.

May Pang introduced the fab faux after bringing out Syd Bernstein. Bernstein was a manager and promoter in the 60s who handled The Young Rascals and did a lot of shows. Apparently, when May Pang and Linda Eastman were around 13 they were rabid Rascals fans. Both were from Westchester and somehow Bernstein let them hang out at a Rascals recording session. Eventually, both managed to snag a Beatle.

May Pang dragged Bernstein off the stage to get the show started. He probably would have gone on all night. Fab Faux went right into Rubber Soul. From where I was standing I could see the set list in red magic marker that Jimmy had taped to the stage wall on his left. This was helpful because I could get ready for the next song.


Photo Copyright (c) 2002 by Martin Brooks

Reminds me of that strange phenomenon I experienced with Beatles albums. I listened to them so much that even now at the end of any song I hear I go right into the next song on the album. It didn't really work for me at bowery ballroom. I guess it's because there was so much going on visually - mainly with all those amazing guitars and instruments.

We spent the entire show standing about 5 feet in front of Frank. I remember him getting some incredible sounds out of his rhythm guitar. They were sounds I didn't really remember associating specifically with Beatle's songs but they were unique. Between him and Jimmy talking about sounds that you could only get on specific guitars it felt a bit like a classroom.

One of the reasons these guys love the music so much is that they keep picking up new things every time they listen to Beatles songs. They haven't lost their appreciation and sense of wonder.

At one point in the evening Lou Soloff did his Penny Lane solos. The first time I heard him play it at an earlier show he did a creditable job but missed a few notes and seemed pretty nervous. I guess that kind of horn is tough to play. This nite he absolutely nailed the parts and added his own flourishes. It was astonishing.

As Zoet mentioned Jimmy played sitar. OK, now I'm impressed. Like Jimmy has nothing better to do than learn sitar in his spare time. It is one magnificent instrument. Very impressive to see played in person. Strange to see Jimmy sitting on a stool with his left leg crossed over his right to cradle the bottom of the sitar. I'm just used to sitars being played by musicians who are sitting on cross-legged on the floor. No matter what, he played it intently and masterfully. it was a treat.

There were a number of kind and sad words for George. The most moving part was at the end of My Guitar Gently Weeps. (I think I'm remembering this correctly) The Fab Faux stopped playing and all you could hear was a recording of a guitar and George's voice singing an additional verse that was not on the original. It was spooky and sad and loving at the same time.

When is this stuff going to get old? It seems with the Fab Faux never. We got to the show early enough to get right up to the front when they opened the doors. I remembered thinking I can last through the first set standing but I'm going to have to sit or lean through the second set somewhere else because my back just can't take it. Two and a half hours later I was still standing in the same spot with just one beer break. A bunch of great songs done to perfection. A pleasant and appreciative crowd and performers who absolutely love what they're doing. It doesn't get any better.

Moet's review of the October 8, 2001 live show.
The main Fab Faux Page.
Find out more about The Fab Faux at their official website:
http://www.theFabFaux.com
For more fab photos of the Fab Faux, check out this site:
http://hem.fyristorg.com/Resa/