The Christian Finger Band: Sophisticated, melodic Jazz performed by an outstanding international group of New York's finest musicians, joined by a stellar String Quartet - combining jazz, classical, pop, and turning it into an exceptional sound of its own.
The CD "Merge Into Beauty" coaxes the imagination and takes the listener on a journey that mesmerizes, transcends, and entertains at the same time. Through the exciting and diverse compositions of Christian Finger, and the effortless capacity of an elite ensemble of master musicians, the CD explores American jazz tradition and mixes it with European sensitivity. Unique string interludes weave together these colorful and eclectic tunes, enhancing the intuitive and interactive playfulness of the band.
The result is diverse: fast-paced and exciting, hauntingly beautiful and evocative, spontaneous and playful - all within a melodious framework that makes "Merge Into Beauty" unique and accessible. Famous jazz magazines and musicians are giving rave reviews; please see below.
Live, the intuitive and interactive playfulness of the musicians makes every performance of “Christian Finger Band” a very special event; there’s a radiant joy and excitement on stage and audience member can’t help but get drawn into the colorful and eclectic music. CFB is a highly passionate, tight knit and virtuosi unit, always serving the music.
Appearing at Top jazz venues/festivals in NYC, Europe and Australia,
and Christian's compositions have been used also for several off-broadway shows in New York. In the fall of 2008 the CFB toured in Germany to sold out venues.
Recently an article by “Der Spiegel” (Europe’s biggest news magazine) about Christian was published, placing him together w/ Manu Katche, Marylin Mazur and Wolfgang Haffner (Link: http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/0,1518,528051,00.html).
MUSICIANS
Christian Finger Band:
Rich Perry (USA): tenor saxophone
Vadim Neselovskyi (Russia): piano Christian Finger (Germany): drums, composition, arrangement
Adam Armstrong (Australia): bass
(on CD only):
Momenta String Quartet (USA) Tom Chang (Canada): guitar
The CD "Merge Into Beauty", recorded in NYC, features superior sound quality with musicians who have worked with famous artists such as Lee Konitz , Dave Kikovski (Christian), Gary Burton, T. Monk Institute Winner (Vadim), Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, (Grammy Award Winner) Maria Schneider, Richard Beirach (Rich), Kenny Kirkland, Kenny Wheeler (Adam), Greg Osby, The Supremes (Tom), among many others.
The Momenta String Quartet is one of the finest ensembles for performing contemporary music in the USA.
Christian Finger is an award winning drummer who has played and recorded with some of the world’s most famous musicians.
Working in a wide variety of fields, Christian’s versatility shows in countless musical styles, ranging from Jazz, Rock, Pop, Musical/Theater music to work
as a studio musician: myspace.com/drumtracksviainternet.
His resume includes performances, tours and recordings with the following musicians: Lee Konitz (featured on CD ”Balance”), Dave Kikoski, John Goldsby, Donny McCasslin, Dan Tepfer, Seleno Clark, Russ Lossing, Reuben Wilson, Matt Shulman, Peter Bernstein, Grant Stewart, Stefan Bauer, Allen Ferber, Mike Nock, Mark Issacs, Matt McMahon, Achim Kaufmann, Frank Wunsch, Matthias Nadolny, Gerd Dudeck, Lotte Anker, Gunnar Pluemer, Hans Wanning, Frank Wingold and many more.
He is a judge at the "Drum Off" competition, endorsed by Gretsch Drums and teaches at www.nydrumschool.com
"...great CD and playing, commitment to the moment, you should be proud of yourself, congratulations!"
- Jeff Ballard
"Fantastic CD and playing!"
- Billy Drummond
" ... a top shelf recording... features Perry as a member of drummers Christian Finger's international band....Christian Finger's "Merge Into Beauty" draws from many influences, though it sounds much like a suite.
Accompanied by Perry's eloquent tenor sax plus a fine rhtymsection with pianist Vadim Neselovskyi, bassist Adam Armstrong..., Finger's compositions have hooks that immediately grab the listener, while the musicians build upon the tension created with spellbinding solos and potent interaction, the leader's hands and precise cymbal work adding just the right touch.
Highlights include the moody lament "End of an Era", along with the haunting, fragile "Halfway till dawn"...
The Standard "Falling in love" is reworked into an intricate postbop setting that strays far from its usual path, featuring Perry with Armstrong and Finger providing the pulse..."
- Ken Dryden, "All About Jazz New York" May 2007
“Christian Finger’s Merge Into Beauty is a work of great compositional depth and emotion.
Finger, a German-born drummer and composer, has lived stateside since 2001, and he has wasted no time in honing his drumming and compositional crafts.
This album, the follow up to his Balance recording that features Lee Konitz, uses a wide-harmonic palette and a large array of musical colors and shades to create a mood and sound that is unique and captivating…you are sure to enjoy basking in Finger’s gorgeous music…
“End of an Era” has a hip, dark quality throughout. The Finger’s slow, swinging swagger is a perfect match for the sleek melodic line.
The quirky melodic material from “Alone in Cologne” is instantly appealing….Finger’s firm swing pulse, helps to provide a great feel for the song…, Armstrongs engaging bass solo… and following a strong drum solo the band returns to the original melody..
Perry’s saxophone and Vadim Neseolovskyi’s piano meld beautifully at the outset of “Heartsong”. Neseolskyis light touch touch, sesnsitive sounds and strong musical ideas are perfect…”You make nice noise” is a mysterious piece… wonderfully played by Perry, Armstrong and Finger. As things move forward, the listener observes a wonderfully hip and enjoyable musicale whole when things start to gel and each of these three musicians get into the zone. “Amaya’s Dream” is a work of musical serenity and spirit…
“Halfway till Dawn” is a meandering maze of music…
The light and subtle touch required to handle “The Peacocks” is on full display here. Hearing Perry and Neselovskyi work together, with Finger controlling it all from behind, provides a breath-taking ending to a stunningly beautiful album."
-Dan Bilawsky, "Jazz Improv Magazine & Jazz Improv New York Jazz Guide", June 2007
"Christian Finger: On "Merge Into Beauty" the drummer leads his agile band with the kind of percussion first tunes that makes all the auctions seem supercharged. Bop sax lines, fusion guitar screeds, and a compositional sense that integrates third stream influences conspire to overwhelm."
- Jim Macnie, "Village Voice", New York May 2007
"Editor's Pick!"
- "CD Baby"
"Taking the reigns, very tastefully drummig here..."
-Modern Drummer Magazine
"Music is very diverse, remembering me sometimes of Pat Metheny, sometimes of Monk, sometimes of Bela Bartok. Rich Perry with his beautiful and haunting sound is a pure delight. This CD pleases all the way. "
- "Hellweger Anzeiger", Germany
"Art Saves: Christian Finger is doing some saving!
I love the opening Nu Drance with Finger's supplied drive, fluid and essential, and the way Rich Perry comes in across the drums. The cohesive filagree created by Neselovskyi on Piano, Armstrong on bass, and Chang on guitar, and Perry coming back around with his aural ribbon tying it into a higher package -- this is exciting stuff! Many spins anticipated. Overall, when Neselovskyi plays I want him to play more, when Perry plays I want him to play more, Armstrong more, Chang more, Finger's trap work all so good, and those elusive strings too. That's hard to say about a lot of groups. It's been a swooning 59 minutes of Christian Finger compositions and arrangements. With music this good, I am hoping they go the time limit on their next CD. If it's true that Art Saves, then Finger and his group are doing some saving."
- Jason Schwager/ CD Baby
Management/Contact:
Finger Music Productions
Email: christianfingerband@yahoo.com
www.christianfinger.com www.myspace.com/christianfinger
For more info and purchasing CD "Merge Into Beauty", please visit www.christianfinger.com or at
www.apple.com/itunes
www.cdbaby.com/cd/christianfinger
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CHRISTIAN FINGER BAND feat. Rich Perry's Friend Space (Top 31)
CHRISTIAN FINGER BAND feat. Rich Perry has 1189 friends.
Hi Christian, NYC hat dich noch nicht verschlungen. Das ist gut !!!! Immer wieder schön, von dir zu hören. Sag bscheid, wenn du im Lande bist,.. was spuiln !! lG Greg
Hi Christian, I love your music; complex, smooth, & melodic. Write me at MakinMusicNY@gmail.com. I'll add you to the mailing & I'll post the gigs you send (in the NYC area). Cheers, Mike
Hi Christian, that's a loooooooong time ago. Thanks for finding me again. How are you, living in Brooklin? Nice playing, nice band. All the best, David.
Hello, many thanks for sharing music with us and showing your friendship on our tribute page. Nice to meet you on here, you're welcome. C/C Fans Corner.. ..
