In A Mellow Tone, May 8: Celebrating the music of Phil Nimmons (1923-2024)

Featuring the compositions of Phil Nimmons recorded by Nimmons ‘N’ Nine and others

1923-2024

On April 5, Phil Nimmons passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 100. Phil Nimmons was a clarinetist, a band leader, and a composer. On Wednesday’s show, I will be focusing on all three roles.

In the first hour, we will survey the recordings of Nimmons ‘N’ Nine, Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six, and the Phil Nimmons Quartet. We will also hear Phil Nimmons in his own words, from an audio documentary recorded in 2005.

In the second hour, we will focus on Phil Nimmons the composer, with others performing his compositions. We will hear from the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, the Mike Cado Tentet, and The Nimmons Tribute.

In this show, I am trying out bonus online-only content for the first time. In this additional one hour and forty-five minutes of music, I will feature some of Phil Nimmons’ longer compositions, including Suite P.E.I., and two pieces commissioned for the Montreal Olympics and the Calgary Olympics respectively. To listen to this content, you simply have to click the “listen now” button on the show webpage.

Phil Nimmons talks about his life and advice for young musicians (from 2016):

If you would like to honour Phil’s life’s work and support the continuation of his dedication towards generations of new artists, please contribute to The Phil Nimmons Legacy Fund, established with Phil’s blessings at the Canadian Music Centre.

A celebration of Phil’s life and music will be planned in the coming months. For more information about Phil Nimmons and to stay up to date on any public events honouring Phil, check out his website. If you wish to share a memory of Phil or send a message to the Nimmons family, you may do so on the Contact page.

The show will be broadcast live on CKCU FM 93.1 and live streamed at CKCUFM.com. To listen to the full show, including the bonus content, click on the “Listen Now” button.