A Canadian Songbook
TPR, 2024
9/10
The always impressive drummer Ernesto Cervini returns with his sextet, Turboprop, for these 7 songs penned by Canadians that embraces 3 horns and much creativity.
The drum focused “Skeletons” starts the listen, where the James Hill original has synth traded out for brass via the lively climate, and “When I Fall” follows with a very calm take on the Barnaked Ladies classic thanks to Dan Loomis’ precise bass plucking and William Carm’s animated trombone.
The radiant “Stuck Inside” arrives in the middle, and reflects on the pandemic, where Cervini’s original benefits much from Adrean Farrugia’s graceful keys, while “Clumsy”, a big hit for Our Lady Peace, is a rich and meticulous album highlight that uses Tara Davidson’s alto sax and Joel Frahm’s tenor sax in flowing, exciting ways.
The final selection, Carn’s “The Inertia Of Complacency”, emits a timeless jazz presence of both busy and calm gestures, where bright melodies are met with booming horns.
An album that explores some of Canada’s finest, Cervini and company show their gratitude to their country with these charming interpretations and flawless originals.
Travels well with: Last Ark Out- Lift; Mike Downes- The Way In