Nick Finzer

Legacy – A centennial celebration of JJ Johnson

Outside in Music

Among the great trombonists in jazz history, the preeminent one by almost any’s rank order is JJ Johnson (1924 -2001).  Today we have our veterans such as Steve Davis, Steve Turre, Wycliff Gordon and others and a younger crop such as Alan Ferber, Jacob Garchik, and the subject at hand, Nick Finzer. Finzer is also a composer, educator, and the label head of Outside in Music. Legacy is a dream project wherein Finzer celebrates the music of JJ Johson in his centennial year with a threesome of touring bandmates of the great trombonist in the ‘80s and ‘90s. These three leading jazz artists are pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Lewis Nash. Finzer maximizes the fortune of gathering these greats by recording Johnson’s music, arrangements, and staple tunes at the shrine of jazz where Johnson cut so much of his material at the Rudy Van Gelder studios in Englewood, NJ. The trombone doesn’t get nearly the attention of saxophone, trumpet, piano, drums, or bass when jazz legends are discussed but Steve Turre hit this topic squarely when saying, “JJ Johnson did for the trombone what Charlie Parker did for the saxophone.”  This is not merely a tribute album as Finzer contributes two of his originals in Johnson’s style. The music is meant to commemorate Johnson’s still-living legacy as an prolific arranger, educator, and pioneer.

Legacy opens with Johnson’s swinging “Say When” that features a stirring solo from Finzer and rollicking, eminently clean piano from Rosnes, a muscular passage from Reid and Nash. “Shortcake,” penned by Arthur Johnson, is the first of three ballads, with Finzer stating the bluesy melody over a restrained, delicate rhythm section along with pristine soloing from Rosnes. Reid establishes the walking bass line for Johnson’s “Pennies from Heaven,” with Finzer utilizing all registers of the trombone, especially effective in the upper reaches. Rosnes solos with brim and gusto amongst the bass-drum tandem of Reid and Nash, long reputed for having massive swinging chops. Finzer arranges Johnson’s famous ballad “Lament,’ taking the liberty to add some new colors to the main theme and interludes the accent the emotion of the tune. Rendered with deep feeling, this is truly as melodic as trombone playing ever gets. It’s almost as if a vocalist is taking the melody.

The quartet moves into a soul-jazz mode on Johnson’s “Fatback,” with the locked in rhythm section thriving as they form a thick groove for Finzer to get fierce in his guttural bluesy attack. Nash takes a quick turn as Rosnes is spot-on comping throughout. “That Thing” is a Finzer original, clearly in the style of Johnson while the standout “Malaga Moon” is an enduring tune composed by Rosnes for Johnson that became a staple in his sets. Originally recorded by Johnson with a studio orchestra, Finzer Legacy adapted it for this quartet. This soothing ballad, like “Lament,” speaks to the sophistication of this quartet with Finzer’s, Rosnes’, and even Reid’s pizzicato notes evoking the smooth flair of the best figure skater. Music does not get any more elegant.  There’s little option but to ramp back into swinging mode for the closer, Finzer’s original CC, perhaps standing for ‘centennial celebration.’ It exudes that triumphant, celebratory glow and may well represent Nash’s best work on the traps.

Finzer and his quartet mates not only pay deep respect to JJ Johnson; they deliver a flawless recording to boot.

 

Jim Hynes

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter