Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop - Abundance (2018/2019) [Hi-Res]

“I’m grateful for the abundance of good that there is in the world and I feel privileged to experience it every day.” These words, from the liner notes of Ernesto Cervini’s new Turboprop album, Abundance, describe the feeling and purpose behind the Canadian drummer’s new release.

Gratitude is on full display, as Cervini again features all of his band members as instrumentalists, featured soloists and composer/arrangers in this gorgeous collection of 8 songs. As Cervini states, “although I am the band-leader, Turboprop truly feels like a collective due to the passion, commitment, and love everybody brings to each performance.”

Following the critical success and JUNO nomination of the group’s sophomore release, Rev, this album cleverly mixes three standards (including an incredible new arrangement of pianist Geoff Keezer's tour de force solo performance of Harold Arlen's My Shining Hour) and original material written by the band, including 2 by Cervini himself. Those 2 originals are both dedications: Gramps, for Cervini’s late grandfather; and Song for Cito - that’s Cito Gaston, the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays’ back to back World Series winning teams from the early 1990’s.

"Highlights include Tara Davidson’s composition “The Queen” – a swirling piece in asymmetrical rhythm with brilliant solos from Adrean Farrugia on piano and Davidson herself on alto sax; Arlen’s graceful “My Shining Hour”, with lyrical trombone soloing from William Cahn; Cahn’s lush trombone in “Chaplin’s Smile”; the driving rhythm of Dameron’s bebop classic “Tadd’s Delight”; Dan Loomis’s “Abundance Overture with” its flute led Irish jig tempo and deft stick tap dance on the rims of the snare drum;the contrast in tempo served by Cervini’s nostalgic and thoughtful ballad “Gramps” and the building in intensity of Farrugia’s “Ten Thousand Things” leading to Joel Frahm’s magisterial breakout on tenor sax.The whole album has an compelling energy that packs real punch without relinquishing anything in subtlety or melody. It comes highly recommended." (Brian Payne, jazzjournal.co.uk)

"One would expect nothing less from such a wonderfully focused ensemble such as this, which is one to die for." (Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report)

"Innovative and electrifying..." (All About Jazz)

"...brimful with energy..." (Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report)

Tara Davidson, alto and soprano saxophone, flute
Joel Frahm, tenor saxophone
William Carn, trombone
Adrean Farrugia, piano
Dan Loomis, bass
Ernesto Cervini, drums