Nick Finzer

Famed trombonist and mentor Wycliffe Gordon called Nick 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." Award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Nick Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to both traditional fans and 21st century audiences.  In 2013, Nick released his recording debut as a bandleader and composer, with two tracks from the album garnering the prestigious American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP)'s Herb Alpert Award for young composers in 2013 & 2015. He was the winner of the 2011 Eastern Trombone Workshop's National Jazz Trombone Competition and a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association's Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.  Born into the musical world (Mom, Sherry Finzer, is an internationally known 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. 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 where he was mentored by trombone legend, Steve Turre.  Finzer has performed at top Jazz clubs and concert halls with Wynton Marsalis' Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Lucas Pino's No Net Nonet, Bob Stewart's Double Quartet, Frank Wess, Lew Tabackin, Terrell Stafford, Lewis Nash and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, John Clayton, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Ray Drummond, Steve Turre and many more. Finzer has also been seen around the globe on television and the web as part of the pop, web-phenom band, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox. He has toured with the group in North America and Europe.