Audio Review: Nick Finzer – No Arrival
No Arrival
Posi-Tone Records, 2018
Nick Finzer, Trombone
Lucas Pino, Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet
Victor Gould, Piano
Alex Wintz, Guitar
Dave Baron, Bass
Jimmy Macbride, Drums
For the past few years, Nick Finzer has been a rising star in the jazz world. With four solo albums to his name, Finzer is making his mark on the jazz trombone (and he just turned 30 years old). This being his first record with Posi-Tone Records, Finzer pulls out all the stops on this album. Being able to jump from one style to the next while keeping his own characteristics makes this a resourceful album for any musician.
With the album titled No Arrival, an endless journey is portrayed through each track. Starting with the opening track, Rinse and Repeat, the sound of rushing water out of a faucet is created through the forward-moving rhythms in the cymbals and piano. The uniqueness of this album is the fact that Finzer showcases many of his colleagues own talents. Whether it be the low, mysterious sounds of the bass clarinet by Lucas Pino on Never Enough or the electrifying fretboard of Alex Wintz on Soon, this group of jazz musicians plays as one unit. And does it well.
Each track is carefully crafted with a strong sense of character and finesse. Paying home to Leonard Bernstein, Finzer gives a beautiful and engaging rendition of Maria (my favorite track) with improvisatory solos in the middle of the track. The closing track of Billy Strayhorn’s song A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing is given a luscious taste with Finzer’s use of mutes and embellishments around this beautiful melody.
All in all, this recording shows off the many facets of Finzer’s impeccable talents. Ambitious yet delicate; quick while serene. These are some of the many words I hear when listening to this album. With Finzer now teaching at North Texas, younger jazz trombonists will be extremely fortunate to study under this remarkable musician.
Track List:
Rinse And Repeat
Never Enough
Maria (Bernstein)
Tomorrow Next Year
Soon (Gershwin)
No Arrival
Pyramid (Ellington/Gordon/Mills/Tizol)
Only This, Only Now
The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Prince)
A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing (Strayhorn)
Click here to purchase the album (Amazon)
Click here to learn more about the album
