Primary Instrument: Drums
Christian Finger is an award winning drummer who has played and recorded with some of the world’s most famous musicians. His new CD “Andanda” featuring Jeff Ballard (in an exciting Drum Duo), Dave Stryker, Zach Brock, Vadim Neselovskyi, Pete McCann, Adam Armstrong and Bobby Harden & String Quartet will be out soon. Working in a wide variety of fields, Christian’s versatility shows in countless musical styles, ranging from Jazz (Trio-Big Band), Rock, Pop, Musical/Theater music/Cabaret to work as a studio musician.
His resume includes performances, tours and recordings with the following musicians: Lee Konitz (featured on finger trio CD ”Balance”), Dave Kikoski, John Goldsby; Rich Perry, and Vadim Neselovskyi (both also featured on new CD “Merge Into Beauty”), Donny McCasslin, Seleno Clark, Russ Lossing, Reuben Wilson, Tom Chang, Matt Shulman, Peter Bernstein, Marco Panascia, Grant Stewart, Brian Murray, Mike Nock, Mark Issacs, Matt McMahon, Achim Kaufmann, Frank Wunsch, Matthias Nadolny, Gerd Dudeck, Lotte Anker, Gunnar Pluemer, Hans Wanning, and many more.
Born and raised in Germany to an artistic family, Christian started early on the drum set and piano and became known as a child protégée at the local music conservatory, Musikhochschule Dortmund. He continued studying drums in Germany, USA and the Netherlands, and after receiving his BA and MA Degrees, he worked as a freelance musician in Jazz & Pop Music, and at major Theater/Musical productions throughout Europe. That led to features on WDR TV (Germany’s biggest station) and at several radio stations. Christian also founded, drummed and composed for the award winning band “Once in Lifetime”. With this quartet and other bands he performed at major Jazz festivals in Europe. He then also released his first solo album, “Balance”.
After living in Sydney, Australia in 2000, Christian moved to New York City in 2001, and a world of possibilities to work with fantastic musicians opened up. Since then, he keeps a busy schedule in NYC as a freelance drummer playing for all kinds of bands and ensembles. In addition, he leads his own band “finger trio” and now the “Merge Into Beauty” band. He also just finished writing, producing and recording his new CD, “Merge Into Beauty” (Finger Music Productions), which is receiving rave reviews. His exciting and diverse compositions have also been part of several theater productions throughout New York City.
Christian teaches privately at his “NY Drum school”, has written two drum books and several articles for the famous “Modern Drummer” magazine.
In New York and Europe he studied with world renowned drummers such as John Riley, Kenny Washington, Jeff Ballard, Billy Drummond, Adam Nussbaum, ‘Smitty’ Smith, Sean Pelton, Mike Clarke, Kim Plainfield; and attended master classes with Mel Lewis, Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, Paul Motian, Grady Tate and Billy Cobham. In addition Christian studied composition/counterpoint with Mr. H. Derdack (Germany) and Mr. C. Bettendorf (Columbia University NY).
NEW CD “MERGE INTO BEAUTY” GETTING RAVE REVIEWS. Here more info: 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.
“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.
Appearing at Top jazz venues/festivals in NYC and abroad, concerts by the Christian Finger Band are highly popular. Christian’s music has also been used for different off-Broadway theater productions and events for “Der Spiegel” (Europe’s biggest news magazine).
“Merge into Beauty” is getting rave reviews from leading jazz magazines and musicians (see right column).
© 2006/2007 Finger Music Productions
Christian Finger (Germany): drums, composition, arrangement Rich Perry (USA): tenor saxophone Vadim Neselovskyi (Russia): piano Adam Armstrong (Australia): bass Tom Chang (Canada): guitar Momenta String Quartet (USA)
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 Kikoski (Christian), Gary Burton (Vadim), Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, Richard Beirach (Rich), Kenny Kirkland (Adam), Greg Osby, The Supremes (Tom). The Momenta String Quartet is one of the finest ensembles for performing contemporary music in the USA.
All About Jazz New York, by Ken Dryden: “…top shelf production of Finger’s international band…draws from many influences though his mix sounds much like a suite, 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...”
Village Voice New York, by Jim Macnie: “On Merge Into Beauty, the drummer leads his agile little band with the kind of percussion first tunes that makes all the action seem supercharged. Bop sax lines, fusion guitar screed, and a compositional sense that integrates third stream influences conspire to overwhelm.”
Billy Drummond (Carla Bley, Horace Silver, Andrew Hill): “... a fantastic CD!”
Jazz Improv Magazine, by Dan Bilawski: “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…, Armstrong’s 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”. Neselovkyi’s light touch, sensitive 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.”
Modern Drummer Magazine: “Taking the reigns, very tasteful drumming here…”
FINGER MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 92 Seventh Ave, Suite 6 Brooklyn, NY 11217 USA Officephone: 718 622 4565 Cellphone: 917 412 2297 fingerchristian@gmail.com www.christianfinger.com www.myspace.com/christianfinger
Primary Instrument:
Drums
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
www.NY DRUMSCHOOL.com<<< Great drumlessons
A great way to learn and improve your drumming skills in an fun and efficient way.
All Ages-Levels (beginners/kids welcome) and Styles (eg Rock, Pop, Funk, Hip-hop, Jazz, Latin/World etc...)
You'll be surprised how much you learn from patient teacher (16 years of experience) and Award winning professional working drummer w/ BA teaching & MA percussion Degrees (also author for the "Modern Drummer" magazine and two drum books; please check my website (see below) for more info and references.
Learn Grooves, Solos, Fills, Rudiments, how to function in a band, what to listen for, Coordination and Independence, Sightreading, how to create and read Drum Charts, Snaretechnique, expanding your ideas and vocabulary on the drums, special attention to musicality& detail, technique, sound; tuning, how to "play in the pocket", in the Studio, List goes on...
Use of tried & true material: Play Along CDs, Transcriptions of the Masters, Drum computer, Metronome, Books, and recording you.
All this will lead to a special developed curiculuum according to your needs. Very high success rate, students have played w/ artists like Debbie Harrie, recorded CDs, went on tour, won competitions, played in Clubs and School Bands (Stage/Big band/Rock and Orchestra).
References & discount rates available. Help provided w/ purchase of drums and muting so you can practice without any noiseproblems (if necessary).
Lessons in TWO Studio Locations:
Brooklyn and Bloomfield,NJ.
Studios w/ AC/Heat, two prof. equipped drumsets. House calls are also possible.
For more info,
please email: nydrumschool@yahoo.com
or call 917-412-2297
