The Bright Side
Anzic, 2021
9/10
A trio consisting of Joel Frahm on tenor and soprano saxophone, Dan Loomis holding down bass and Ernesto Cervini behind the drum kit, this debut album showcases the outfit’s strong chemistry across all originals as they sprinkle blues nods alongside humor and emotion, too.
“Big Poppa Joe” starts the listen with Cervini’s frisky drumming as Frahm’s dizzying sax prowess enters the flowing, bright climate, and “Thinking Of Benny” follows with a subdued and stylish delivery of timeless song craft that hints at the blues.
Deeper into the listen, “Silk Road”, a Loomis original, moves with a cautious spirit of sublime brass and light drumming, while “Omer’s World” swirls with a complicated and nearly chaotic delivery that’s held together by the musician’s incredible playing. “X Friends”, an album standout, then has all 3 players engaging in playful, dynamic jazz that flows with a swift and mesmerizing execution.
Approaching the end, Cervini’s poetic “The Beautiful Mystery” emits a soulful quality amid agile saxophone and strategic drumming, and “The Bright Side” exits the listen and has Loomis’ precise bass interacting with Cervini’s frisky drumming as Frahm’s sax anchors the strong finish.
Though it’s their first record, Loomis, Cervini and Frahm have a deep history that goes back a decade at the University of Toronto, and judging by this top notch effort, they’re going to make a serious dent in the modern jazz scene.
Travels well with: Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Twisting Ways; TuneTown- Entering Utopia