Little Black Bird
Ernesto Cervini Quartet
Orange Grove Records OG-1104
(www.ernestocervini.com)
Another step forward in the career of Ernesto Cervini, “Little Black Bird” again demonstrates the high level of musicality possessed by this excellent drummer who incidentally is also no slouch on piano and clarinet. In other words, a very musical drummer.
The material on the album is original, creative and played with authority by four musicians who prove that the whole can definitely be greater than the sum of the parts. If you are into the more contemporary sounds of jazz, this is right up your alley.
In a nicely varied selection, for me one of the highlights is Nonna Rosa, a haunting ballad played with a sensitivity and restraint that show a high level of maturity. Indeed, Joel Frahm’s playing throughout the album is impeccable, which is not to take away from the telling contribution made by Adrean Farrugia on piano and bassist Jim Majaraj.
The title tune, Little Black Bird takes off into more esoteric territory as do Cerebrau and Seven Claps, while Coconut Bill shows that this group can really swing when it wants to.
Concert Note: The Ernesto Cervini Quartet will be touring to promote the new CD and you can catch them at The Rex on December 5 and 6.
