Musician Fuzz Sangiovanni just “can’t behave.” Must be the sex, drugs and Rock And Roll. Okay not the sex and drugs. Definitely the rock.
Jim–aka “Fuzz”–an international recording artist, musician and music educator for more than two decades has performed and toured with the Allman Brothers Band, Emmylou Harris, Phish, James Brown, Deep Banana Blackout and many of the legendary musicians who lived and worked in New Orleans including Dr. John and The Neville Brothers.
He’s also a regional manager for Conscious Campus, a booking agency that specializes in providing inspirational and educational programs to schools nationwide, including in Bridgeport.
With an assist from OIB correspondent Bob Fredericks, Fuzz is OIB’s latest interview saluting Bridgeport’s Bicentennial.
Q. What is your first memory of Bridgeport?
A. My first memory was taking the ferry from Long Island where I grew up. I was still in high school and was going to visit a friend in Boston who was away at college. I never knew what was on the other side of the sound as I hadn’t been to CT yet. I was surprised to see how urban Bridgeport was. Then I came back about 8 years later to play in Black Rock with Deep Banana Blackout when we first started the band, which was really my first time spending any time in the city.
Q. What are your ties to Bpt., and what do you do, either work or volunteer work, that benefits the city and its residents?
A. I moved to Bridgeport in 1998 from New York, and have lived here ever since. I have been a musician and entertainer living and working in the city for decades, when I’m not traveling. I’ve done work with City Lights Gallery as an educator, developing programs and doing classroom workshops, and have done concerts in and around the city that raised money for programs like these as well, and just allowed people to get down and have some fun.
Q. What do you like best about Bridgeport?
A. I’d say the wide range of culture, the unpretentious yet thriving arts community and the generous folks who I’ve worked with here to develop arts and education programs that have entertained and given back to the community. I also enjoy all the waterfront areas.
Q. Where is your favorite spot in the city to visit and why?
A. Weather permitting, and especially spring through fall I go to Saint Mary’s by the Sea at least several times a week. I’ve always lived near the coast so I love being on the water. I get out almost every day for a walk and this is a beautiful spot to do it. Plus I often run into someone I know, have a nice chat, sometimes bring a guitar and write a song, have a picnic, etc.
Q. What’s your favorite Bridgeport eatery and what do you like there?
A. I really like Pho Saigon, I love a good Pho and it seems pretty authentic to me. Their house special beef pho is my favorite.
Q. Where do you see the city going?
A. Seems like it comes in waves but more and more people are migrating to Bridgeport. I see the Downtown, Black Rock and the waterfront really picking up with arts, entertainment and other recreation as we come out of this pandemic.
Q. If you had a magic wand and could make a miracle happen for the city, what would it be?
A. I’d say a change in the general attitude about it, both from people who live here and those who live outside. I think Bridgeport residents taking on a more positive outlook, having more pride and keeping it clean, safe and active culturally and economically will go a long way, and for those living outside the city to be open to it and embrace and explore the diversity, culture and all the city has to offer.
Web/social media links:
Caravan of Thieves
http://caravanofthieves.com
Deep Banana Blackout
http://deepbananablackout.net
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/fuzz.fuzzman
https://www.facebook.com/caravanofthieves
https://www.facebook.com/deepbananablackout
