When it was announced that Ernesto Cervini’s last album, Rev, was up for a Juno Award, he said that was confirmation that he was onto something.
“It’s a huge encouragement and it does make you want to just keep going and do more and it’s nice to get that kind of recognition,” the Toronto jazz drummer said.
Last month Cervini followed-up Rev with Abundance, his third album with his sextet, Turboprop – Cervini, alto and tenor saxophonists Tara Davidson and Joel Frahm, pianist Adrean Farrugia, bassist Dan Loomis and trombonist William Carn.
Cervini said the album balances emotions, dynamics and feelings, as “beautiful ballads” nudge up against “pretty raucous stuff.” The band members share composing duties on the record, which aligns with his goal of making the group feel like a collective.
“I think when everybody is a little bit more invested, they’ll just bring a little bit more to the project,” he said. “And so I wanted everyone else to feel like this was as much theirs as it is mine.”
Cervini’s Abundance tour brings him to Nanaimo for the first time when Turboprop plays the Lighthouse Bistro on Wednesday, Nov. 28. At the show, bassist Michael Herring and trombonist Chris Overton will be filling in for Loomis and Carn, respectively.
Cervini said the band as been successful because its musicianship is matched by its friendship.
“We really appreciate and admire each other,” he said. “Nobody’s playing on top of each other, there are no egos. Everyone’s just making music together.”
WHAT’S ON … Turboprop performs at the Lighthouse Bistro on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, available at the venue, Fascinating Rhythm and www.quadwranglemusic.com.
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