Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop Premiere Their “Skeletons” Live in Studio Video

Ernesto Cervini is a JUNO Award-winning drummer, composer, and bandleader who has helped to define Canada’s modern jazz landscape. Among several of his projects is the innovative sextet Turboprop, which, on January 26th, released their latest single, “Skeletons.” The lead track off the band’s upcoming album, A Canadian Songbook, is due on March 8th, 2024, and it’s now also getting the video treatment with today’s exclusive premiere!

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop will release the record’s second single on February 16th, with more info to follow.

Commenting on the news and video, Ernesto shares:

“This song was composed by Canadian pianist James Hill, who has performed and toured internationally with the jazz/hip-hop group BadBadNotGood. I became aware of Hill’s wonderful compositions when I handled publicity for his album Higienópolis from his trio, Local Talent. I immediately fell in love with the song ‘Skeletons’ from that album and listened to it many times over the following years. In 2021, I asked for permission to arrange the song for Turboprop, and it has since become a staple in our repertoire. Hill’s version of the song is very different as it features synths and no horns. I thought this would be a great opportunity to get the horn players to trade… I love hearing them throw ideas back and forth to each other!”

Turboprop includes a cross-section of some of North America’s finest and most in-demand musicians: Tara Davidson on Alto Saxophone, Joel Frahm on Tenor Saxophone, William Carn on Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and Cervini on Drums.

The band’s sound is reminiscent of the hard-swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, although they tackle a wide range of music: from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy to Radiohead, plus originals from all the band members. They have toured across Canada multiple times to rave reviews and released their JUNO award-winning third album, Abundance, on ANZIC Records (NYC) in the fall of 2018.

Show Dates:

Feb 21 – 24 (8:30 pm) at the Rex Hotel and Jazz Bar (194 Queen St. W, Toronto)
May 24 & 25 (8 pm) at the Jazz Bistro (251 Victoria St. Toronto)

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop “Skeletons” single artwork