The Nimmons Tribute Volume 1 - To the Nth

The Nimmons Tribute
Volume 1 - To the Nth
Self-produced

Phil Nimmons, often referred to as the "Dean of Canadian jazz," is saluted in this project led by his grandson, pianist Sean Nimmons. Phil Nimmons is known for his work as a clarinetist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator. He led such popular bands Nimmons' N' Nine and later Nimmons' N' Nine Plus Six. His grandson, Sean, crafted new arrangements of seven of his grandfather's compositions and written one new tune. Except for one selection, Sean Nimmons leads an octet consisting of Kevin Turcotte (trumpet, flugelhorn), Tara Davidson (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet), Mike Murley (tenor saxophone), William Carn (trombone), Perry White (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet), Sean Nimmons (piano, Fender Rhodes), Jon Maharaj (bass), and Ethan Ardelli (drums). On one selection, "Liëse," Drew Jurecka (violin, viola) and Lydia Munchinsky (cello) are added.

While familiar with Phil Nimmons' name, I was not familiar with his music. I have sampled some of his recordings online after listening to this release ( A couple of his Sackville recordings are available from Delmark Records). Like his NimmonsN'Nine, this tribute band is a big little band. His grandson has constructed a band that captures the feel of such classic ensembles as Gerry Mulligan's concert band and the sixties Basie Band. One hears echoes of Sammy Nestico, Neil Hefti, Frank Foster, and others in the handsome arrangements starting with the opening "Nufsicisum." One is struck by the crisp, clean ensemble statement of the theme with outstanding solos from Turcotte and Murley. Bassist Maharaj has a brief solo acting as a bridge between trumpet and tenor sax.

"Night Crawler" is a Basie-like blues-based swinger with Sean Nimmons deft piano taking the lead. Perry White's baritone sax solo, with the other horns riffing in support, is one of the recording's highlights. Bassist Maharaj and drummer Ardelli also get the spotlight here. "Harbours" is a lovely composition with Davidson's clarinet weaving in and out of the muted brass. Sean Nimmons adds atmospheric Fender Rhodes as the ensemble adds heat as the performance evolves. "Holly" is a spellbinding ballad that is a showcase for Carn's wooly lyricism. Then there is the aptly titled "Swing Softly," with the tone of a classic Benny Golson tune.

Strings are added to the number, "Liëse," a performance that suggests a Billy Strayhorn influence. It is an outstanding close to this tribute to Nimmons. In addition to honoring Phil Nimmons' legacy, "Volume 1 - To the Nth" is superb straight-ahead jazz.

I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is Sean Nimmons talking about the tribute.

Johnny Griffith Quintet The Lion, Camel & Child

Johnny Griffith Quintet
The Lion, Camel & Child
G-B Records

Toronto saxophonist Griffith leads his Quintet of fellow Toronto jazz All-Stars, Adrean Farrugia - Piano; Jon Maharaj - Bass; and Ethan Ardelli - Drums; along with the great Jeremy Pelt on trumpet. This is Griffith's second recording, and he drew inspiration from the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche - specifically the book Three Metamorphoses. As Griffith explains, “Metamorphoses is concerned with what propels each new phase of human growth, so it seemed fitting to frame this as a suite – each track individual unto itself, yet when listened to as a whole representing the arc of the personal struggle to know more and be more.”

Opening this recording is the four-part title suite illustrates the phases of Nietzsche and the qualities defining: "The Lion," virtuous and rebellious; "The Camel," courageous and dutiful; and "The Child," playful and free of spirit. "The Lion" opens at a brisk tempo with the leader displaying a full robust tone and a fertile musical imagination with Pelt in a melodic vein and centered in the middle range with occasional upper range bursts. One also is impressed by this first-class rhythm section, that transitions into the relaxed walking pace of "The Camel" that features Farrugia's stately piano solo as Maharaj and Ardelli provide a hint of the Mid-East caravan procession enhanced by the joint horns. A solo "Cadenza" by Griffith transitions into "The Child" a vigorous performance opening with heated tenor sax, followed by fiery trumpet and strong two-handed piano and a dynamic drum solo.

Not just the writing, but the entire ensemble displays its considerable virtues throughout this CD. "Narcomedusae," is another notable performance with Pelt exceptional here on a composition that might evoke comparison to classic sixties Blue Note recordings. Then there is the animated hard bop of "Strawberry Qwik," a lovely ballad "Amarone," with Pelt's pretty muted trumpet along with Griffith's own marvelous ballad playing. Other notable performances include the fiery "For a Derailed Painter" with explosive solos from the horns and pianist Farrugia. Bassist Maharaj solos at the beginning of "Deliciously Ambiguous" a relaxed groover with more engaging solos by Griffith, Pelt, and Farrugia.

Johnny Griffith impresses as a composer, saxophonist, and leader He has a fabulous band here with Pelt and a wonderful rhythm section that play superlatively throughout this outstanding recording.

I received a download to review from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the March-April 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 383).