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.

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop Abundance

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop
Abundance
Anzic Records

About his band Turboprop, Ernesto Cervini observes " “although I am the band-leader, Turboprop truly feels like a collective due to the passion, commitment, and love everybody brings to each performance.” This sextet is a formidable one with some exceptional talents from Toronto and New York City: Tara Davidson on Alto and Soprano Saxophones and Flute (Toronto), Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone (New York), William Carn on Trombone (Toronto), Adrean Farrugia on Piano (Toronto), Dan Loomis on Bass (New York) and Ernesto Cervini on Drums (Toronto). Ms. Davidson is an addition to the personnel that was on their last recording "Rev," that I found full of "strong solo voices and first-rate ensemble work.

The present recording has a mix of 5 originals by band members (including two by Cervini) and three standards. It opens with Davidson's original "The Queen," with a slightly exotic flavor and strong solos from her and Farrugia. The pianist is also sterling on a terrific rendition of Tadd Dameron's "Tadd's Delight" which has riveting tenor sax from Frahm while Loomis and Cervini push this sterling performance along with the two trading fours. A fresh arrangement of "My Shining Hour" was derived from Geoffrey Keezer's recording with sterling ensemble playing and a shift into a Latin groove. Carn's melodic ballad playing graces the interpretation of Charlie Chaplin's classic "Smile."

Loomis' "Abundance Overture" opens with Cervini playing with his sticks before Davidson on flute and Frahm on tenor sax play a playful figure and then Cervini plays his entire kit before Loomis, Farrugia, and Carn join in for an exuberant performance. Farrugia contributed "The Ten Thousand Things" which opens with Loomis bass in addition to the composer's far-ranging piano solo followed by Frahm's fiery tenor sax.

Cervini contributed the final two compositions. "Gramps" is a lovely ballad dedicated to his late grandfather and has Davidson's charming, graceful alto saxophone set against an exquisite ensemble arrangement. The closing "For Cito," dedicated to the former Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston, is a robust performance with imaginative solos from Carn and Farrugia and fresh, creative arrangements.

As on "Rev," Turboprop impresses with their tight ensemble playing; inventive, fresh arrangements, and impressive soloing. The result is this striking recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the March-April 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 383), although I have made corrections and minor changes. Here is a video of Turboprop playing.