NICK FINZER...
...is one of the most dynamic musicians of the millennial generation.
An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to both traditional fans and the most modern 21st century audiences. Hes on a mission to be a passionate voice defining the sound of Jazz in this age while also bringing street cred to the trombone with a bold, tight sound.
Born into the musical world (Mom Sherry Finzer is an international flutist), Finzer developed a fascination for the music of Duke Ellington and found himself, in high school, performing at the annual Essentially Ellington competition of Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was then that he decided to pursue a life in music himself. His budding talent was recognized by Wycliffe Gordon who began a life-long mentorship by writing four pieces for the young Finzer while he attended the Eastman School of Music. Nick went on to get his masters at Juilliards prestigious Jazz program where he was mentored by the trombone legend Steve Turre. ...
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NICK FINZER...
...is one of the most dynamic musicians of the millennial generation.
An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to both traditional fans and the most modern 21st century audiences. Hes on a mission to be a passionate voice defining the sound of Jazz in this age while also bringing street cred to the trombone with a bold, tight sound.
Born into the musical world (Mom Sherry Finzer is an international flutist), Finzer developed a fascination for the music of Duke Ellington and found himself, in high school, performing at the annual Essentially Ellington competition of Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was then that he decided to pursue a life in music himself. His budding talent was recognized by Wycliffe Gordon who began a life-long mentorship by writing four pieces for the young Finzer while he attended the Eastman School of Music. Nick went on to get his masters at Juilliards prestigious Jazz program where he was mentored by the trombone legend Steve Turre.
In 2011 Nick was the winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshops National Jazz Trombone Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Associations Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.
In January of 2013 Nick released his recording debut as a bandleader and composer with Exposition (Outside In Music). Two tracks appearing on the album garnered Finzer a pair of accolades: The prestigious American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP)s Herb Alpert Award for young composers (2013 & 2015)
In 2014, Nick composed a new album-length work, The Chase. Nick's sophomore album debuted in July of 2015 on Origin Records to rave reviews, a feature article in Downbeat Magazine, and peaked at #6 on the JazzWeek Charts.
Famed trombonist and mentor Wycliffe Gordon called Finzer a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making and added Nick's CD is a glowing example of things to come.
When away from NYC, Finzer can be found touring the globe not only with his own projects, but as part of YouTube sensation, Scott Bradlees Postmodern Jukebox. Finzer has joined the group on television, in viral videos with millions of views, and on tours across North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Finzer has performed at top Jazz clubs and concert halls with Wynton Marsalis Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Lucas Pinos No Net Nonet, Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Project, Bob Stewarts Double Quartet, Frank Wess, Terrell Stafford, Lewis Nash, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Steve Turre and many more.
Finzer has just released his third album as a leader, "Hear and Now". About the Record:
Hear & Now offers a bold call to action with Finzers sextet.
" [Finzers] compositions are like stained-glass windows: lovely on the surface, but more impressive for how they imbue whats behind them with color." Brian Zimmerman, Downbeat
"Nick Finzer [is] a new voice to the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making." Wycliffe Gordon
Trombonist/composer Nick Finzer captures the uneasy mood of a turbulent time on his third album, Hear & Now. Though the title which the album shares with the gifted and expressive sextet that Finzer has led since his debut release in 2013 suggests an alertness to the present time and place, Finzers music also evokes a need and hope for change, a defiant optimism that pits love against the forces of oppression.
Martin Diller
Martin Diller is a Los Angeles based, SF/Oakland raised drummer who's diverse music resume speaks to his ability to cross genres and styles seamlessly.
While Diller has performed in Jazz contexts with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Terrell Stafford, Kenny Werner, Rufus Reid and Charlie Haden, he has also toured the world with indie-rock acts like GIVERS, Holychild, and Morgxn, to R'n'B-Pop artist Yuna, to Youtube Jazz Star Postmodern Jukebox.
Diller has led bands that provide music for many live comedy-sketch shows including Tom Papa's "Come To Papa" and The Todd Glass Show featuring guests including Sarah Silverman, Joel McHale, Craig Robinson, Matt Damon, Daniel Tosh, Nick Kroll, and many more.
While his drumming remains in demand with many Pop, Rock and Soul outfits, the heart of his music comes from the Jazz world and it's rich history.
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