Volume 2 – Generational (The Nimmons Tribute)
The Nimmons Tribute
Released June 30, 2023
JAZZ.FM91 Best Jazz Albums of 2023
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kshFR9ciM_Sh0AITMUMR1V2qxWg0pk20U
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About:
Generational by The Nimmons Tribute is the second volume of a tribute project honouring the legacy of Canadian jazz legend Phil Nimmons (O.C., O. Ont.), who celebrates his 100th birthday in 2023. This album brings new life to vintage Nimmons compositions with brand new arrangements by Phil’s grandson, pianist, arranger and composer Sean Nimmons, who also contributes two beautiful new compositions of his own.
Generational features some of the finest musicians in Canada, including many JUNO Award winners. The Nimmons Tribute, led by Sean, is a group of Phil’s colleagues, former students, friends and family who have come together in a joyous celebration of Phil and his music.
Phil Nimmons is a huge part of Canada’s cultural legacy. He is one of Canada’s pioneering composers, and one of a handful of musicians who helped solidly establish the country’s status in the jazz world. Phil also helped launch several major initiatives that continue to support Canadian contemporary music today.
Volume 2 – Generational builds on the band’s first album, while showing more of the range and diversity in Phil’s writing. This album is a more personal undertaking for Sean Nimmons. Generational is inspired by the interconnectedness of our collective human family tree. In music and life itself, we hear the echoing voices of those who have come before us. By contributing our own voices to this dialogue, we join in an ongoing conversation that is united through our shared humanity, and further enriched by the unique quality of each new voice that joins in. Through careful listening and our own honest expression, we can honour our intergenerational similarities and differences, participating in the ever-evolving conversation of life.
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“Generational is inspired by the interconnectedness of our collective human family tree. In music and life itself, we hear the echoing voices of those who have come before us. By contributing our own voices to this dialogue, we join in an ongoing conversation that is united through our shared humanity, and further enriched by the unique quality of each new voice that joins in. Through careful listening and our own honest expression, we can honour our intergenerational similarities and differences, participating in the ever-evolving conversation of life.”
Sean Nimmons-Paterson, April 2023
Track Listing:
1. Arf (Phil Nimmons) 4:52
2. Islands – from the Atlantic Suite (Phil Nimmons) 5:08
3. Generational (Sean Nimmons) 6:15
4. Under a Tree (Phil Nimmons) 7:50
5. Transformations – 2nd movement (Phil Nimmons) 7:12
6. Bella Shores (Sean Nimmons) 8:06
7. Carey Dance (Phil Nimmons) 6:21 8. Night Night Smiley (Phil Nimmons / Heather Bambrick) 7:00
Personnel:
Kevin Turcotte: trumpet, flugelhorn
Tara Davidson: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet
Mike Murley: tenor saxophone
William Carn: trombone
Alex Dean: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Sean Nimmons: piano, Fender Rhodes
Jon Maharaj: bass
Ethan Ardelli: drums
Heather Bambrick: vocals (8)
Recorded by John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at Revolution Recording, assisted by Luke Schindler
Piano Technician: Wayne Ferguson
Mixed by John ‘Beetle’ Bailey
Edited by Sean Nimmons
Mastered by Harry Hess at HBomb Mastering
Arrangement consultation and production support by Mike Malone
Additional arrangement support by Christian Overton and David Braid
Cover photo: Holly Nimmons
Design by Simon Paul
Review:
One of the biggest challenges in the world of music is creating a follow-up album that can stand up to a strong debut. This is exactly what Sean Nimmons-Patterson and his bandmates have done on the Nimmons Tribute’s second album Vol. 2: Generational. The recording is a tribute to Phil Nimmons – the “Dean of Canadian jazz,” and also Sean’s grandfather — and features new, fresh takes on some of Phil’s best-loved compositions. This time, there’s a more personal tone, both in the writing and arrangements and in the playing by the musicians, all of whom are former colleagues, students, or both, of Phil Nimmons. In his arrangements, Sean Nimmons-Patterson connects to the original compositions and adds his own spices to an already strong recipe, creating a finished product that cuts through with taste, artistry, and intense musicality from start to finish.
Heather Bambrick (JAZZ.FM91)
