Juno Award-Winning Jazz Drummer Ernesto Cervini Shares “Surprised By Joy” From Upcoming LP

(Edited press release)

JUNO Award-winning drummer and composer, Ernesto Cervini, has announced his forthcoming release Joy, due October 7th on Cervini’s own label TPR.

Inspired by Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache Investigates series of detective novels (NY Times Best-Sellers), and the qualities of goodness, decency, courage and the love that permeate them, Cervini was moved to compose music that captures the characters, landscapes and relationships created by Penny. Leading the way to introduce the album, Cervini has shared “Surprised By Joy”.

“About five years ago, I discovered the universe of Three Pines,” reflects Cervini. “I was literally captivated by Louise Penny’s incredible stories and characters, by her storytelling talent, by the kindness and joy that emanates from her books. I immediately wanted to compose music inspired by the series.”

Featuring Cervini’s Turboprop, Tune Town, and Tetrahedron groups as well as other sonic surprises, Joy showcases Canada’s finest musicians and is the first of Cervini’s albums to include vocalists; two songs showcase Alex Samaras (Queer Songbook Orchestra), and an additional track features Felicity Williams (Bahamas, Bernice), Emilie-Claire Barlow (two time JUNO Award winner, six time nominee) and Amy Cervini (Duchess), who co-produced the album.

The lead single, “Surprised by Joy”, is a riveting contemporary jazz song featuring Cervini’s beloved group, Turboprop. A churning drum solo opens the track and from the first strains of the rhythm section it is clear that this song is going to be a barn-burner, building up to an explosive entrance by the horn section and opening up into angular and swinging solos by pianist Adrean Farrugia and tenor saxophonist Kelly Jefferson.

To celebrate the release, Cervini will be giving an extraordinary performance on September 3 at Théâtre Lac-Brome, in Penny’s hometown of Knowlton, QC. Ernesto Cervini’s Joy: A Musical World inspired by Three Pines will be the global premiere concert of the new record, bringing the songs and stories to life on stage.

For more information and tickets, visit here. Following the premiere concert, Cervini will perform in Toronto and Ottawa this fall, with more dates to be announced soon. See below for full tour details.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
September 3 – Knowlton, QC – Théâtre Lac-Brome
November 2 – Toronto, ON – Alliance Francaise
November 4 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre