Ernesto Cervini
“Joy” is the latest record from Juno-winning drummer and composer Ernesto Cervini. Inspired by Louise Penny’s Gamache series of books (NYTimes Best-Sellers) and the qualities of goodness, decency, courage, and love that permeate them, Cervini was moved to compose music that captures the characters, landscapes and relationships created by Penny. From the opening track “Three Pines” that sets up this voyage, to a musical portrait of a duck and her cranky, poet laureate owner in “Ruth’s Rosa,” from the mercurial “Beauvoir” to the beautiful love story of “Sandalwood and Rosewater.”
The album showcases Canada’s finest musicians and is the first of Cervini’s albums to feature vocalists; Two tracks feature Alex Samaras (Queer Songbook Orchestra), and an additional featuring track with Felicity Williams (Bahamas, Bernice), Emilie-Claire Barlow (2 time Juno Award winner, 6 time nominee) and Amy Cervini (Duchess) who also co-produced the album. Featuring Ernesto's Turboprop, Tune Town and Tetrahedron groups as well as other sonic surprises, this album is a musical journey through the soul and heart of Three Pines and the characters who inhabit it, guided by an adoring fan. Cervini’s music and personality beam with unbridled joy and this album is a true reflection of that.
“Joy” was released on October 7, 2022. Buy “Joy” on Bandcamp to best support the artist. You can also buy/listen on Apple Music, and Spotify.
“The stories take place in the fictional Quebec village of Three Pines (the title of the opening track) but knowledge of the novels doesn’t appear integral to enjoyment of the music – if my own case is indicative at any rate: I’d never heard of the books but I was instantly drawn in by the variety and energy of the music… A highly enjoyable discursive jazz drama. ★★★★”
Robert Shore – Jazzwise (UK)
“For me, it has become one of the most interesting musical experiences of this year.”
Leonid Auskern – Jazz Quad