Nick Finzer
“A new voice in the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making.” — Wycliffe Gordon
Nick Finzer is one of the most dynamic musicians of the millennial generation. An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Finzer is passionately bringing the joy and power of jazz to both traditional fans and modern 21st-century audiences. His mission is to be a defining voice of jazz today while giving the trombone a bold, tight sound that commands respect.
Finzer’s latest album, No Arrival (Posi-Tone 2018), features a stellar lineup including reedman Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Dave Baron, and drummer Jimmy Macbride. The album blends forward-looking concepts with the rich influences that have shaped Finzer’s musical journey, showcasing a wide emotional range through his brilliant original compositions and arrangements.
Born into a musical family—his mother Sherry Finzer is an internationally acclaimed flutist—Nick developed a fascination with Duke Ellington’s music early on. In high school, he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Essentially Ellington competition, a pivotal moment that set him on his path. Wycliffe Gordon recognized his talent and became a lifelong mentor, composing four pieces for Finzer during his time at Eastman School of Music. Finzer later earned his master’s degree from the prestigious Juilliard Jazz program, studying under trombone legend Steve Turre.
Finzer’s accolades include winning the 2011 Eastern Trombone Workshop’s National Jazz Trombone Competition and being a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition. His previous albums include Exposition (Outside In Music, 2013), The Chase (Origin, 2015), and Here & Now (Outside In Music, 2017).
Beyond his own projects, Finzer tours globally with YouTube sensation Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, appearing on television, viral videos with millions of views, and tours across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Finzer has performed with top jazz ensembles and artists such as 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, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Steve Turre, and many more.
Committed to education, Finzer shares weekly videos on his YouTube channel covering live performances, new arrangements, and educational topics. He also serves as Artistic Director of the Institute for Creative Music, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz and creativity for musicians and audiences at all levels. From 2014–2016, he was Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at Florida State University.
“A new voice in the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making.” — Wycliffe Gordon
Nick Finzer is one of the most dynamic musicians of the millennial generation. An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Finzer is passionately bringing the joy and power of jazz to both traditional fans and modern 21st-century audiences. His mission is to be a defining voice of jazz today while giving the trombone a bold, tight sound that commands respect.
Finzer’s latest album, No Arrival (Posi-Tone 2018), features a stellar lineup including reedman Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Dave Baron, and drummer Jimmy Macbride. The album blends forward-looking concepts with the rich influences that have shaped Finzer’s musical journey, showcasing a wide emotional range through his brilliant original compositions and arrangements.
Born into a musical family—his mother Sherry Finzer is an internationally acclaimed flutist—Nick developed a fascination with Duke Ellington’s music early on. In high school, he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Essentially Ellington competition, a pivotal moment that set him on his path. Wycliffe Gordon recognized his talent and became a lifelong mentor, composing four pieces for Finzer during his time at Eastman School of Music. Finzer later earned his master’s degree from the prestigious Juilliard Jazz program, studying under trombone legend Steve Turre.
Finzer’s accolades include winning the 2011 Eastern Trombone Workshop’s National Jazz Trombone Competition and being a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition. His previous albums include Exposition (Outside In Music, 2013), The Chase (Origin, 2015), and Here & Now (Outside In Music, 2017).
Beyond his own projects, Finzer tours globally with YouTube sensation Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, appearing on television, viral videos with millions of views, and tours across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Finzer has performed with top jazz ensembles and artists such as 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, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Steve Turre, and many more.
Committed to education, Finzer shares weekly videos on his YouTube channel covering live performances, new arrangements, and educational topics. He also serves as Artistic Director of the Institute for Creative Music, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz and creativity for musicians and audiences at all levels. From 2014–2016, he was Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at Florida State University.