To the Nth (Self Produced)
The Nimmons Tribute
Released November 20, 2020
JAZZ FM 25 Best Jazz Albums of 2020
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VcmeUL_Uh1g
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/5LGD6Rok74HsoLsoGYMFps?si=d6aLzHsdTpSkkfFGvuAPHQ
About:
To The Nth by The Nimmons Tribute honours the legacy of Canada’s living jazz legend Phil Nimmons O.C., O. Ont. The album brings vintage Phil compositions through new arrangements by grandson, pianist and composer Sean Nimmons.
To The Nth features some of Canada’s greatest musicians, many of whom are JUNO Award winners. The Nimmons Tribute led by Sean consists of former students, colleagues, friends and family, who have come together to celebrate Phil through his music.
Track Listing:
1. Nufsicisum 07:51
2. Night Crawler 08:55
3. Harbours (From the Atlantic Suite) 05:52
4. Swing Softly 04:45
5. Holly 07:57
6. Sands of Time 07:26
7. Rista’s Vista 05:26
8. Liëse 07:06
All songs composed by Phil Nimmons except Rista’s Vista composed by Sean Nimmons.
All songs arranged and produced by Sean Nimmons.
Personnel:
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
Ethan Ardelli: drums
Additional strings on Liëse:
Drew Jurecka: violin and viola
Lydia Munchinsky: cello
Strings engineered by Drew Jurecka
Recorded
by John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at Revolution Recording, assisted by Luke Schindler
Mixed by John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at The Drive Shed
Edited by Sean Nimmons
Mastered by Harry Hess at HBomb Mastering
Cover photograph: Holly Nimmons
Design by Simon Paul (luapnomis.com)
Production Coordinator: Holly Nimmons
Review:
The
Nimmons Tribute is a small Canadian ensemble dedicated to honoring the living
legacy of Phil Nimmons a clarinetist, composer and band leader who,
in 2020, was 97-years-old and acknowledged as having done more than anyone else
in bringing jazz to the mainstream of Canadian culture. A living legend, active
for more than six decades, this “Dean of Canadian jazz” is a multiple
JUNO Award-winning artist and recipient of the Order of Canada (O.C.) and Order
of Ontario (O. Ont.), adding to his stature in the jazz world.
The Tribute is an octet of some of the finest jazz musicians in Canada,
consisting of former students, colleagues, friends and Phil’s grandson Sean
Nimmons, the pianist of the band. In presenting Volume 1—To the Nth, the
group lays down seven Phil Nimmons original compositions with one from the
grandson rounding out an all-family musical jazz experience.
The music is absolutely splendid, starting off with the amazing
“Nufsicisum” which read backwards explains Phil’s philosophy in life
and just happens to be one of the many keepers of the set, featuring Tara
Davidson on alto, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet and an
Ellington-styled back-up band, a swinging number by any measure.
Grandson Sean introduces the sprite “Night Crawler,” bouncing off Jon
Maharai’s firm and constant bass lines as Perry White ‘s baritone sax
and Mike Murley’s tenor sax voices make this nine-minute piece a pleasure
to hear. The big-band style shines through on “Harbours -From the Atlantic
Suite” the first movement of a 4-movement suite which the legend often
played with his big band.
The great Count Basie comes to mind when listening to “Swing
Softly,” a ballad with a beautiful melody which is not only soft but
bouncy at the same time, featuring Turcotte on the muted horn, the bassist, and
Ethan Ardrlli on drums. Staying on the softer side of the music, the group
performs warmly and gently on the ballad “Holly,” before delivering
another melodic mover on the beautiful “Sands of Time,” one of the
best pieces of the session.
As the music comes to a close, we hear an original from grandson Sean on the
introspective, light “Rista’s Vista,” followed by the finale piece
“Liese,” penned for Phil’s late wife Dr. Noreen Liese Spencer, a
classical pianist and educator. It is composition which Sean takes to heart
with light touches on the keys and, backed up by the strings, becomes the love
ballad of the set and a delicate ending to an amazing homage project.
There is a great deal to say about the music on To the Nth; it is a
compelling tribute to a giant of the jazz world whose music deserves greater
attention; with the help of The Nimmons Tribute octet’s Volume 1, Phil
Nimmons music will be around for future generations of jazz lovers to enjoy.
Edward Blanco (All About Jazz)
