Ernesto Cervini’s ‘Joy’ – The Music Inspired by Three Pines

Ernesto Cervini: lyrics, music & drums
Tara Davidson: saxophones
Trevor Hogg: saxophones
William Carn: trombone
Dan Fortin: bass
Matt Newton: piano
Nicky Schrire: vocals

Born from the imagination of JUNO Award winning drummer and composer Ernesto Cervini, an influential presence on Canada’s modern jazz scene and beyond (Turboprop, TuneTown, Tetrahedron), this show was inspired by the incredible village from Louise Penny’s “Gamache” detective series. It features music nourished by the characters and emotions from the series, and endeavours to capture the spirit of the books, about goodness and decency, about integrity, courage and love.

“Three Pines is a state of mind. When we choose tolerance over hate. Kindness over cruelty. Goodness over bullying. When we choose to be hopeful, not cynical. Then we live in Three Pines.” (Author’s notes at the end of ”Glass Houses”)

Ernesto Cervini’s initiative is the result of a huge love affair with the author’s work. Cervini adds, “About five years ago, I discovered the universe of Three Pines and I completely fell in love. I was captured by the storytelling and the incredible characters. Although they are detective novels, the books are filled with kindness and joy, and I was inspired to write music that reflects the themes and characters in the books.”

The performance features 15 original compositions by Cervini which were written based on the characters and themes of Penny’s 17 novels (to date.) These songs are interwoven with excerpts from the books describing the characters and stories to which they refer, all by permission of the author Louise Penny. The concert features special guest, South African-born, Toronto-based vocalist, Nicky Schrire. She will be accompanied by the composer himself and by some of the best Canadian jazz musicians of the day.

The new album, entitled Joy, will be released on Friday, October 7th on ”TPR”.