Volume 1- To The Nth
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
Listen to Volume 1- To The Nth
A tribute album to the Canadian legend Phil Nimmons, who is often referred to as the ‘Dean of Canadian Jazz’, the 8 esteemed players on hand offer new arrangements of classic Nimmons compositions spearheaded by pianist and composer Sean Nimmons, who happens to be Phil’s grandson.
“Nufsicisum” (read it backwards) starts the listen with warm brass, jumpy keys and frisky drums in the inviting jazz landscape, and “Night Crawler” follows with spirited solos in the highly melodic delivery of timeless song craft.
There’s only 8 tracks here, but each one shines in its own light, including the cautious and aptly titled “Swing Softly”, while “Holly” continues the gracefulness with plenty of beauty amid its dreamy execution.
Some of the best tracks reside near the end, including the dynamic and playful “Rista’s Vista”, which is a Sean Nimmons original, and “Liese” exits the listen in piano balladry where a stirring atmosphere unfolds with immense skill and impact.
Phil Nimmons is now 96 years old, and has over 400 compositions to his credit. I’m sure he's quite impressed with these renditions of his work, where former students, colleagues, and friends of Phil- some of which are Juno Award Winners- certainly do justice to his incredible work.
Travels well with: Richard Whiteman- Very Well & Good; Dave Young Quartet- Ides Of March