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The Nimmons Tribute: Volume 1 - To The Nth
ByAlmost from the moment Nimmons decided to step down, plans were under way for a tribute album, an undertaking spearheaded by, among others, his grandson, Sean Nimmons, who as a professional jazz pianist is safeguarding the family's legacy. Sean Nimmons not only mans the keyboards on To the Nth, he also rearranged seven of his grandfather's splendid compositions (and added one of his own, "Rista's Vista") for an all-star octet whose heavyweight members include trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, tenor saxophonist Mike Murley and baritone saxophonist Perry White . Others in the ring and ready to rumble are saxophonist/clarinetist Tara Davidson, trombonist William Carn, bassist Jon Maharaj and drummer Ethan Ardelli.
What springs to the fore immediately is the brightness and buoyancy that underscore every theme by Phil Nimmons whose musical philosophy is emblazoned on the genial opener, "Nufsicisum" (read it backward). With so much superlative music from which to choose, selections had to be carefully made, and Sean Nimmons managed that assignment well. "Night Crawler," another breezy charmer, leads to the picturesque "Harbours," the lone song chosen from The Atlantic Suite. "Swing Softly" does exactly that (with an occasional nod to the great Gerry Mulligan), setting a well-ordered stage for the lovely ballad "Holly" (enriched by Davidson's soprano sax and White's bass clarinet) and gently shifting "Sands of Time." Sean Nimmons' loping "Rista's Vista," on which his piano is featured, refers to his grandfather's middle name, the ethereal "Liese" to the teacher who introduced the younger Nimmons to music and the pianooddly enough, not his grandfather but grandmother, Noreen Liese Spencer Nimmons, a renowned classical pianist and educator. An unlisted string section enhances its charm. The last two tracks, it should be noted, include no brass or winds.
The music is smooth and seductive, soloists sharp and creative. A warm and engaging tribute to one of Canada's national treasures who, happily, is able to hear and appreciate it. And according to the album cover (which says Volume 1), there is even more to come. What could possibly top To the Nth? Stay tuned...
Track Listing
Nufsicisum; Night Crawler; Harbours (from the Atlantic Suite); Swing Softly; Holly; Sands of Time; Rista’s Vista; Liese.
Personnel
Kevin Turcotte
trumpetSean Nimmons
pianoMike Murley
saxophonePerry White
saxophone, baritoneTara Davidson
saxophone, altoWilliam Carn
tromboneJon Maharaj
bassEthan Ardelli
drumsAlbum information
Title: Volume 1 - To The Nth | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Self Produced
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The Nimmons Tribute
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Self Produced
Phil Nimmons
Sean Nimmons
Kevin Turcotte
Mike Murley
Perry White
Tara Davidson
William Carn
Jon Maharaj
Ethan Ardelli
Gerry Mulligan