Nick Finzer - Out Of Focus '2021

Tracks list

       Nick Finzer made the most out of his time in lockdown with a new
compilation of projects featuring the Trombonist in Solo, Quartet, and Trombone
Ensemble settings.

Following on the heels of Nick Finzer’s 2020 Release Cast of Characters;
the trombonist and composer found himself with more time to focus on himself and
his artistry than he anticipated, leading to a boon of creative practice curated
by the lockdowns that the year had to offer.

“Rather than sit at home and complain” says Finzer “I decided
to see what projects I could dream up that might only take place when you
can’t be in the same place as your usual collaborators.” The result
is a wide-ranging exploration of settings that the 2020 Downbeat Rising Star
Trombonist has yet to explore on his new 2021 release Out of Focus. 

The first in this stream of collaborations features NYC Multi-Instrumentalist
Dr. Reginald Chapman and Finzer’s colleague from the University of North
Texas - drummer Quincy Davis - in a reimagined version of the Kenny Garrett
composition Sing a Song of Songs “... this tune was burned into my brain
from listening to [Kenny Garrett’s] 1997 Songbook album! That record was
on repeat for years in my first car… I’d always wanted to have a
chance to explore some of his compositions… and I figured now was my
chance!” Finzer noted.

Next, we find a new interpretation of the Duke Ellington classic from his Such
Sweet Thunder Suite - The Star Crossed Lovers arranged for five trombones.
“Ellington’s music has always been a huge inspiration to me... his
sense for creating drama with this melodies constantly inspires me as an
artist” Finzer recalled.  “I wanted to explore the possibility of
this piece with different timbres of trombone playing.” Finzer’s
interpretation calls to mind the plunger mute vocalizations of long-time
Ellington sideman and trombone innovator “Tricky” Sam Nanton.
“Playing the pixie mute/plunger combination is something I’m
borrowing from the legacy of my teachers: Steve Turre and Wycliffe Gordon.
It’s a skill set that not everyone investigates… but I love the
sonic possibilities it provides”

The two traditional jazz quartet settings on the album feature the stellar
rhythm section of Xavier Davis on piano, Jay Anderson on bass, and Quincy Davis
on drums playing two brand new arrangements of classics from the jazz canon:
Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust and Pat Metheny’s Bright Size Life.
“These virtual collaborations were a unique opportunity to connect with
musicians I played with in New York, that the pandemic certainly put a pause
on... “ Finzer explained, “I wanted to find ways to present some of
my all-time favorite tunes from all over the jazz spectrum, and feature the
trombone when and where it isn’t always expected…” 

Rounding out the album is a 15-Trombone Arrangement of another Ellington classic
Mood Indigo featuring the addition of Bass Trombonist Jennifer Wharton (leader
of her own trombone group: Bonegasm, as well as Darcy James Argue’s
Secret Society) and a collection of solo pieces including Laura, Single Petal of
a Rose, and JJ Johnson’s Judy. “Playing solo arrangements on
trombone can be a terrifying experience… there’s nowhere to
hide… every note you play is right out there for everyone to hear. And
even then, you’re solely responsible for creating all of the melodic,
harmonic, and musical intrigue! It was one of the biggest challenges for me
musically to develop a clearer sense of solo playing on the trombone.”  

On Out of Focus Finzer puts his compositional pen to the side, to explore many
compositions that have informed his growth as an artist since his early days as
a trombonist. This collection of pieces is a document of a time in our history
known colloquially by some as “the great pause” - and the process of
focusing on his artistry created an outlet for the stress and anxiety that the
lockdowns presented us all. “It took a long time to make this statement
for me… the overwhelm was real last year. I’m very glad I persisted
here and now have the chance to share some music that I really love, with the
community.

Tracklist:
 01. Nick Finzer - Sing a Song of Song (04:58)
 02. Nick Finzer - The Star Crossed Lovers (06:12)
 03. Nick Finzer - Stardust (07:37)
 04. Nick Finzer - Laura (04:07)
 05. Nick Finzer - Mood Indigo (05:27)
 06. Nick Finzer - Judy (04:18)
 07. Nick Finzer - Bright Size Life (05:06)
 08. Nick Finzer - Single Petal Of A Rose (04:11) 

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