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.

Shuffle Demons Crazy Time

Shuffle Demons
Crazy Time
Stubby Records

The Toronto-based Shuffle Demons have just issued their 9th album and first studio CD in 6 years. This three-sax, bass, and drum band has been together 35 years. They play ten new compositions here. The current group is Richard Underhill - alto & baritone saxophones, lead vocals; Stich Wynston - drums, percussion, backing vocals; Kelly Jefferson - tenor saxophone, backing vocals; Matt Lagan - tenor saxophone, backing vocals; and Mike Downes - bass, backing vocals. Two original members, Mike Murley - tenor saxophone and Jim Vivian - bass, return to play on 5 of the ten tracks. Underhill composed nine of the ten songs while Jefferson penned one.

The music here is funky and groove-oriented with the melodies usually stated through uniform horn lines. The individual musicians, including the bass and drums, have their spotlight. There are stunning solos such as by Underhill and Lagan during the opening "Cat Walk," as Downes' bass anchoring the groove. Underhill raps on societal issues on "Have a Good One," as the horns riff in support. There is the stirring "Wandering Heart" with more excellent tenor sax and the driving topical "Crazy Time," as Underhill raps-sings about living in these crazy times. There is also an unusual blues, "Even Demons Get the Blues," on which Mike Downes contributes a steady bass ostinato and solo. It is possibly Kelly Jefferson, the tune's composer, who provides a wailing tenor sax solo here. More of a bluesy groove can be heard on the closing "Blue Chameleon," with more gutbucket tenor sax, perhaps from Mike Murley.

One can not ignore just how crucial bassists Downes and Vivian, along with drummer Wynston are to the success of the music here. Wynston is an especially exciting drummer playing with explosiveness at times. While there is a dance quality to this music, there is also plenty of substance in the various solos. "Crazy Time" is a lively recording with plenty of musical substance.

I received a download to review from a publicist.  Here is a video of the Shuffle Demons performing at the 2018 Panama Jazz Festival.