Phil Nimmons Atlantic Suite/Suite P.E.I./Tributes CD

A fine straightahead arranger-composer, Canadian Phil Nimmons has long had an underground reputation in the U.S., based on his memorable "Atlantic Suite" of 1975. This two-CD set from 1997 reissues that five-part work and the 17-minute "Suite P.E.I.," which was part of an obscure Candian sampler LP, and adds a full CD of previously unreleased material. The "Suite P.E.I.," a showcase for Nimmons' clarinet, utilizes a nonet, while the other pieces are played by big bands filled with notable Canadian jazzmen. Among the many soloists are trumpeters Herbie Spanier and Mike Malone, tenorman Art Ellefson, altoist Dave Caldwell and trombonist Dave McMurdo. Although the music is largely straight-ahead, it has its unpredictable moments filled with plenty of interesting surprises. Surprisingly, Phil Nimmons has not recorded much since this period, so the welcome twofer is his definitive release. ~ Scott Yanow

2-CD set consisting of the album "Atlantic Suite", plus "Suite P.E.I.", part of a CBC album called "All Star Jazz In Concert At The CNE"; the remaining selections are from a never before released session from 1973-79, inc. Nimmons 'n Nine Plus Six band f

Recording information: Manta Eastern Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (08/29/1973-06/05/1979); The Bandshell, Canadian National Exibition (08/29/1973-06/05/1979).

Personnel: Phil Nimmons (clarinet); Ed Bickert, Andy Krehm (guitar); Keith Jollimore, Moe Koffman (alto saxophone); Art Ellefson (tenor saxophone); Gary Morgan (baritone saxophone); Herbie Spanier (trumpet, flugelhorn); Guido Basso, Mike Malone (trumpet); John Capon, Terry Lukiwski, Dave McMurdo, Rick Stepton, Rob McConnell (trombone); Bruce Harvey (piano); Terry Clarke (drums).

Liner Note Author: Farley Mowat.