Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band
| Company type | House band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, television |
| Predecessor | The Max Weinberg 7, Max Weinberg and The Tonight Show Band, The Legally Prohibited Band |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Max Weinberg |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Key people | Jimmy Vivino (bandleader, musical director), Max Weinberg (former bandleader) |
| Products | Musical performances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, Conan |
Number of employees | 7 (final lineup) |
Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band functioned as the resident band for Conan O'Brien's late-night program Conan from its premiere on November 8, 2010, through the concluding hour-long broadcast on October 4, 2018.[1] The ensemble was directed by guitarist and arranger Jimmy Vivino. The band's origins trace back to 1993 when it was formed as The Max Weinberg 7 under drummer Max Weinberg to serve as the house band for Late Night with Conan O'Brien in New York City until 2009. Subsequently, they appeared as Max Weinberg and The Tonight Show Band during Conan's 2009–2010 period on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien based in Los Angeles. For a brief period, they adopted the name The Legally Prohibited Band amid the 2010 The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.
During the era of The Max Weinberg 7, the lineup featured Jimmy Vivino on guitar, Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg playing trombone, Scott Healy on keyboards, Mike Merritt handling bass duties, Mark "Love Man" Pender performing on trumpet and acoustic guitar, along with Jimmy's sibling Jerry Vivino covering woodwind instruments. When transitioning to Los Angeles as The Tonight Show Band, percussionist James Wormworth, who frequently substituted for Weinberg during his tours with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, became a permanent member. In instances where Weinberg was absent, Jimmy Vivino often assumed leadership of the group. Weinberg officially departed in September 2010 and did not participate in the Legally Prohibited Tour.
Their last regular appearance occurred during Conan’s final hour-long episode on October 4, 2018. Following the program’s reduction to a half-hour format in 2019, the band ceased regular performances but reunited for four special shows at San Diego Comic-Con that same year. Later, they returned as Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Four for the concluding eight episodes in 2021.
The Max Weinberg 7
Max Weinberg, renowned as drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, established The Max Weinberg 7 after being appointed bandleader for Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 1993. To form the group, Weinberg enlisted longtime associates Rosenberg and Pender, both affiliated with The Miami Horns and possessing extensive touring backgrounds with Springsteen and other artists. The experienced New York session musicians Jimmy and Jerry Vivino joined alongside Healy and Merritt, who had collaborated in various Vivino-led projects. Drummer James Wormworth occasionally substituted when necessary.
Throughout their tenure on Late Night, the band regularly took part in comedic sketches that often spotlighted members such as LaBamba and Mark Pender, blending musical performance with humor. Conan O'Brien engaged them in playful exchanges and jokes that capitalized on their individual personalities for entertainment purposes. Mike Merritt also appeared in sketches addressing themes of race and culture.
Musically, the ensemble provided backing support for guest artists featured on the show and maintained a diverse setlist that frequently included covers of songs by The Clash, reflecting O'Brien’s musical tastes. Their performances were sometimes themed around holidays or events; at other times, they deliberately selected incongruous songs to enhance comedic effect. Their composition "R.C.4" was featured in the 2005 motion picture Bewitched.
When Weinberg took occasional breaks to tour with the E Street Band, James Wormworth filled his role on drums while Jimmy Vivino led under the moniker "Jimmy Vivino and The Max Weinberg 7." Members notably collaborated with Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band during Super Bowl XLIII.
Max Weinberg and The Tonight Show Ensemble
When Conan O'Brien relocated to Los Angeles to take over as host of The Tonight Show, The Max Weinberg 7 accompanied him, incorporating percussionist James Wormworth into the lineup. Jimmy Vivino and Max Weinberg reworked the Late Night theme into a more subdued arrangement suited for The Tonight Show. The band's backdrop creatively blended iconic New York City landmarks with the Los Angeles skyline, symbolizing their bi-coastal roots.
During this period, Weinberg sought guidance from former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinsen to facilitate the transition. On occasions when Weinberg toured with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Jimmy Vivino stepped up as bandleader, supported by Wormworth on drums and Ronnie Gutierrez on percussion. Announcer Andy Richter dubbed them "The Tonight Show Band" and updated the visual graphics during Weinberg’s absences.
A frequent comedic sketch featured a humorous "proper send-off" for Weinberg before his tours, where his drum riser was portrayed driving through the streets of Los Angeles amid various funny situations. The band exited the program alongside O'Brien following his final broadcast on January 22, 2010.
The Legally Prohibited Band
In April 2010, Conan O'Brien embarked on his The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. The ensemble continued performing under the name The Legally Prohibited Band; however, Max Weinberg was not a regular participant due to recovery from a complex open-heart valve surgery that took place two weeks after The Tonight Show concluded. He did make an appearance during the New York leg of the tour but required three months to fully recuperate.
Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band
When Conan O'Brien premiered his late-night program on TBS in November 2010, it remained uncertain whether Max Weinberg would rejoin. Most band members transitioned with O'Brien, but by September 2010, Weinberg confirmed he would not be part of the new show. Jimmy Vivino assumed leadership of the group, with James Wormworth on drums, establishing their base in Los Angeles.
O'Brien acknowledged Weinberg’s significant 17-year tenure as both musician and leader. Weinberg attributed his departure to improved health and a wish to remain close to family in New Jersey while expressing appreciation for his time with the band and optimism about occasional guest appearances.
On October 19, 2010, the ensemble was officially renamed Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band for their role on Conan.
Weinberg made a guest appearance on October 28, 2014, briefly filling in on drums during an episode. After the show's format shifted to a half-hour in October 2018, the Basic Cable Band stopped appearing regularly. Nevertheless, members reunited for four special episodes at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019 and performed as Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Four during the final eight episodes of the series in June 2021.
Discography
Albums
- The Max Weinberg 7 (Hip-O Records, 2000)
Members
Final roster:
- Jimmy Vivino – bandleader, musical director, guitar, arrangements, vocals
- Scott Healy – keyboards, occasional guitar
- Mike Merritt – bass guitar
- Mark Pender – trumpet, acoustic guitar, vocals
- Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg – trombone, percussion, vocals
- Jerry Vivino – saxophones, flute, clarinet
- James Wormworth – drums, percussion
Former members:
- Max Weinberg – drums, bandleader
- Ronnie Gutierrez – substitute percussion
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