New York, NY 10025
USA
Bloomingdale School of Music
Presents
The Nick Finzer Ensemble
in
The Modern Ellington
October 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
New York, New York — Bloomingdale School of Music (BSM) is pleased to present theaward-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Michael Finzer and his ensemble performing the music of Duke Ellington on Friday, October 14th at 7:00 pm in the David Greer Recital Hall at their home site located at 323 West 108th Street (off of Broadway) in Manhattan. Admission is FREE and seating is limited. Duke Ellington was one of the most prolific and iconic composers of all time. His music was a great influence on BSM faculty member Nick Finzer and his concert will his ensemble performing the music of Ellington in a small group setting, creating a new context in which to appreciate these great works. The program will translate Mr. Ellington’s music through the lens of the 21st Century, creating unexpected twists and turns within each song. Joining trombonist Finzer, are guest artists Lucas Pino, tenor saxophone, Or Barektm, bass, Alan Mednard, drums and Samora Pinderhughes, on piano.
ABOUT NICK FINZER
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. He’s 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 Juilliard’s prestigious Jazz program where he was mentored by the trombone legend Steve Turre.
In 2011 Nick was the winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop’s National Jazz Trombone Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association’s 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 inDownbeat 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 Bradlee’s 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 Pino’s No Net Nonet, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project, Bob Stewart’s Double Quartet, Frank Wess, Terrell Stafford, Lewis Nash, theTommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Steve Turre and many more.
ABOUT BLOOMINGDALE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Now in its 52nd year, BSM has served more than 80,000 children and adults through group classes, private instruction, and performance opportunities in classical, jazz, and rock music. Each week, over 650 students of all ages participate in a wide range of music-making, including early childhood classes, a comprehensive pre-college program, free community concerts, and internet-based music programs. With accessibility central to its mission, more than 20% of Bloomingdale’s student body receives financial aid and scholarship assistance annually. For more information on Bloomingdale School of Music’s programs and concerts, visit www.bsmny.org, call the office at 212-663-6021, or email [email protected].
The Bloomingdale School of Music is a proud member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and is made possible with support from: Foundations: Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund, New York Community Trust, Pinkerton Foundation, Hyde and Watson Foundation, Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, Brenner Family Foundation, Lotos Foundation, Columbia Community Service, Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, Exploring the Metropolis Con Edison Composers’ Residency Program, Libby Holman Foundation, D’Addario Foundation, Bernstein Family Foundation, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation; Public: Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal, New York State Assembly Member Daniel J. O’Donnell; Corporations: Colgate-Palmolive, and generousindividual donors.
