REVIEWS & RADIO PLAY
19 May 2023 - Leonid Auskern, Jazz Quad (jazzquad.ru/index.pl?act=PRODUCT&id=6486#)
(Note: translated from Russian)
"We usually only cover the latest releases in our Reviews. The album Birdlike by Canada band Thermo was released in Toronto in November 2022. But I wanted to make an exception for this release. I can't say that the album Birdlike carries something revolutionary and unusual, But the musicians played the program, consisting mainly of old and not very old standards, so "tasty", with such positive energy and love that I listened to the album with great pleasure and, I think, it will not leave indifferent fans of that jazz, which today is just right to call traditional. Well, now - in order.
Strictly speaking, Thermo is a duo. It consists of guitarist Nathan Hiltz and pianist Mike Manny. The first is from Nova Scotia, but now lives in Toronto. The second, on the contrary was born in Toronto, but now lives in Ottawa. Both people are experienced, not only playing jazz for a long time, but also teaching its basics. Covid "helped" the musicians from different cities to unite into one collective. I out the word "help" in quotes, Nathan and Manny started playing together with the help of the Net, when both were forces to spend most of their time at home as a result of quarantine measures. and after the lockdown, you could talk about live performances and recording an album. Nathan and Manny also invited bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs to the studio, thus forming a classic jazz quartet: guitar plus piano trio.
The ten-track program includes works by Wayne Shorter (This Is For Albert), Freddie Hubbard (Birdlike), Wes Montgomery (Leila), Horace Silver (Virgo), as well as pieces from hitmaker duo Hoagy Carmichael - Johnny Mercer (Skylark) and pure Mercer's Tangerine. One composition was written for this program by the members of Thermo themselves. Hiltz composed Fountain Scenery and Manny composed Betty's Buns. I must say that un their spirit both author's plays fit very organically into the program. This is the same straight-ahead jazz, which can sometimes seem boring to someone, but can sparkle with new bright colors - as in this case."
(Note: translated from Russian)
"We usually only cover the latest releases in our Reviews. The album Birdlike by Canada band Thermo was released in Toronto in November 2022. But I wanted to make an exception for this release. I can't say that the album Birdlike carries something revolutionary and unusual, But the musicians played the program, consisting mainly of old and not very old standards, so "tasty", with such positive energy and love that I listened to the album with great pleasure and, I think, it will not leave indifferent fans of that jazz, which today is just right to call traditional. Well, now - in order.
Strictly speaking, Thermo is a duo. It consists of guitarist Nathan Hiltz and pianist Mike Manny. The first is from Nova Scotia, but now lives in Toronto. The second, on the contrary was born in Toronto, but now lives in Ottawa. Both people are experienced, not only playing jazz for a long time, but also teaching its basics. Covid "helped" the musicians from different cities to unite into one collective. I out the word "help" in quotes, Nathan and Manny started playing together with the help of the Net, when both were forces to spend most of their time at home as a result of quarantine measures. and after the lockdown, you could talk about live performances and recording an album. Nathan and Manny also invited bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs to the studio, thus forming a classic jazz quartet: guitar plus piano trio.
The ten-track program includes works by Wayne Shorter (This Is For Albert), Freddie Hubbard (Birdlike), Wes Montgomery (Leila), Horace Silver (Virgo), as well as pieces from hitmaker duo Hoagy Carmichael - Johnny Mercer (Skylark) and pure Mercer's Tangerine. One composition was written for this program by the members of Thermo themselves. Hiltz composed Fountain Scenery and Manny composed Betty's Buns. I must say that un their spirit both author's plays fit very organically into the program. This is the same straight-ahead jazz, which can sometimes seem boring to someone, but can sparkle with new bright colors - as in this case."
11 May 2023 - Wesley Derbyshire, Hi-Res Edition - Mediaversal Music (https://www.mediaversal.com/music/thermo-birdlike.html)
"Check out THERMO's newest album release, "Birdlike" featuring the talents of guitarist Nathan Hiltz, a highly sough0after performer and composer, and pianist Mike Manny, a distinguished musician with a formal education from Humber College and Manhattan School of Music. The duo has teamed up to create a classic sounding jazz album with additional support on this musical journey from bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs.
The album, which was release on October 7, 2022, through G-B Records, is a testament to the skill and creativity of these exceptional musicians. "Birdlike" is a collection of original compositions that showcases the group's talent for blending classic jazz elements with modern sensibilities. From the dynamic interplay between Hiltz and Manny's instruments to the solid rhythms laid down by Swainson and Childs, every track on "Birdlike" is a wonderful collaboration of musicianship.
Listeners should find this new album by THERMO as one of the most exciting and innovative jazz ensembles in the contemporary music scene. Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado of a newcomer to the genre, "Birdlike" is a fantastic listen from start to finish."
"Check out THERMO's newest album release, "Birdlike" featuring the talents of guitarist Nathan Hiltz, a highly sough0after performer and composer, and pianist Mike Manny, a distinguished musician with a formal education from Humber College and Manhattan School of Music. The duo has teamed up to create a classic sounding jazz album with additional support on this musical journey from bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs.
The album, which was release on October 7, 2022, through G-B Records, is a testament to the skill and creativity of these exceptional musicians. "Birdlike" is a collection of original compositions that showcases the group's talent for blending classic jazz elements with modern sensibilities. From the dynamic interplay between Hiltz and Manny's instruments to the solid rhythms laid down by Swainson and Childs, every track on "Birdlike" is a wonderful collaboration of musicianship.
Listeners should find this new album by THERMO as one of the most exciting and innovative jazz ensembles in the contemporary music scene. Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado of a newcomer to the genre, "Birdlike" is a fantastic listen from start to finish."
27 March 2023 - Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, WholeNote Magazine (The WholeNote - Volume 28, Issue 5, April & May 2023)
"This exquisite jazz recording is the result of the creative pairing of pianist/composer Mike Manny and guitarist/composer Nathan Hiltz. Their duo, Thermo, manifested during the pandemic by playing/performing “together”in separate places, through the use of low-latency recording technology. Both gentlemen wear producer’s hats here, and not only have they assembled a dazzling program of tunes, but they have also created the ultimate jazz quartet with the addition of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs. In addition to two of their individual compositions, Manny and Hiltz have also served up a sumptuous jazz buffet, featuring works from icons Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter and Horace Silver. Things kick off with Avita and Tequila by Mobley. Manny and Hiltz dig in here with a solid bop sensibility, and their unison lines morph into the full, satisfying quartet sound. Swainson and Childs lock in immediately and propel the action, with elegant solos from all. Next up is Betty’s Buns – a groovy, swinging original by Manny dedicated to the Cape Breton piano player and baker of delicious buns, Betty Lou Beaton. Big fat chords and a cooking melodic line define this delightful tune featuring an effortless solo by Swainson. Of special beauty is Carmichael and Mercer’s Skylark. One of the loveliest ballads ever written is performed here with sensitivity, skill and deep emotion. Manny seemingly channels the great Bill Evans without ever being derivative. Hiltz’s composition, Fountain Scenery, is a guitar feature and a bit of a nod to Richard Rodgers’ Mountain Greenery. His sound here is warm, succinct and utterly pure, reminiscent of Jim Hall. Although every track on this project is a shining bebop bauble, other highlights include Wayne Shorter’s This is for Albert, where Manny and Hiltz soar through the arrangement in synchronous motion and the listener gets dipped into some serious jazz juice! A triumph!"
https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/booksrecords2/jazzaimprovised/32644-birdlike-thermo
WholeNote Listening Room - Thermo 'Birdlike'
"This exquisite jazz recording is the result of the creative pairing of pianist/composer Mike Manny and guitarist/composer Nathan Hiltz. Their duo, Thermo, manifested during the pandemic by playing/performing “together”in separate places, through the use of low-latency recording technology. Both gentlemen wear producer’s hats here, and not only have they assembled a dazzling program of tunes, but they have also created the ultimate jazz quartet with the addition of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Morgan Childs. In addition to two of their individual compositions, Manny and Hiltz have also served up a sumptuous jazz buffet, featuring works from icons Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter and Horace Silver. Things kick off with Avita and Tequila by Mobley. Manny and Hiltz dig in here with a solid bop sensibility, and their unison lines morph into the full, satisfying quartet sound. Swainson and Childs lock in immediately and propel the action, with elegant solos from all. Next up is Betty’s Buns – a groovy, swinging original by Manny dedicated to the Cape Breton piano player and baker of delicious buns, Betty Lou Beaton. Big fat chords and a cooking melodic line define this delightful tune featuring an effortless solo by Swainson. Of special beauty is Carmichael and Mercer’s Skylark. One of the loveliest ballads ever written is performed here with sensitivity, skill and deep emotion. Manny seemingly channels the great Bill Evans without ever being derivative. Hiltz’s composition, Fountain Scenery, is a guitar feature and a bit of a nod to Richard Rodgers’ Mountain Greenery. His sound here is warm, succinct and utterly pure, reminiscent of Jim Hall. Although every track on this project is a shining bebop bauble, other highlights include Wayne Shorter’s This is for Albert, where Manny and Hiltz soar through the arrangement in synchronous motion and the listener gets dipped into some serious jazz juice! A triumph!"
https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/booksrecords2/jazzaimprovised/32644-birdlike-thermo
WholeNote Listening Room - Thermo 'Birdlike'
20 March 2023 - George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly (Jazz Weekly - Creative Music and other forms of Avant Garde, March 2023)
"Vintage Blue Note sounds are re-interpreted by the swinging team of Mike Manny/p, Nathan Hiltz/g, Neil Swainson/b, and Morgan Childs/dr. The joy here is in the song selection as these guys pick the best of the letter, as Hiltz creates gorgeous droplets of string on Wes Montgomery's "Leiti" while Manny has the run of the table on the rapid fire'd read of Horace Silver's "Virgo". The team swings with delight on "Tangerine" and dig in deep on Freddie Hubbard's title tune. There's a hint of classic Nat "King" Cole's style on Manny's "Betty's Buns" while the team bops with delight on the Messenger'd "Ugetsu". This is a fun one!"
"Vintage Blue Note sounds are re-interpreted by the swinging team of Mike Manny/p, Nathan Hiltz/g, Neil Swainson/b, and Morgan Childs/dr. The joy here is in the song selection as these guys pick the best of the letter, as Hiltz creates gorgeous droplets of string on Wes Montgomery's "Leiti" while Manny has the run of the table on the rapid fire'd read of Horace Silver's "Virgo". The team swings with delight on "Tangerine" and dig in deep on Freddie Hubbard's title tune. There's a hint of classic Nat "King" Cole's style on Manny's "Betty's Buns" while the team bops with delight on the Messenger'd "Ugetsu". This is a fun one!"
2 November 2022 - Pascale DesLauriers, Boulimique de Musique, 2022 Fall Discoveries -- Review of track 'Betty's Buns'
"Une composition instrumentale dans les eaux du jazz contemporain interprétée dans les règles de l'art. Le savoir-faire musical est au rendez-vous sur ce dynamique morceau!"
(An instrumental composition in the waters of contemporary jazz is interpreted in the rules of art. The musical know-how is there on this dynamic piece!)
"Une composition instrumentale dans les eaux du jazz contemporain interprétée dans les règles de l'art. Le savoir-faire musical est au rendez-vous sur ce dynamique morceau!"
(An instrumental composition in the waters of contemporary jazz is interpreted in the rules of art. The musical know-how is there on this dynamic piece!)
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