Audio Review: Out of Focus by Nick Finzer

Out of Focus (2021)
Outside in Music
Nick Finzer – Trombone
Jennifer Wharton – Bass Trombone
Reginald Chapman, Jr. – Bass Trombone
Quincy Davis – Drums
Jay Anderson – Bass
Xavier Davis – Piano

Nick Finzer entered 2020 hoping to go on tour to promote his new (at the time) album Cast of Characters. With the Pandemic shutting down tour dates, Finzer entered the next 18+ months with a spirit that has been the focus of his career: Create. Connect. Repeat. Through his outlet of educational books, YouTube videos, performances, and recordings, Finzer has released his latest album Out of Focus showcasing the sounds and productions of what many followers have come to know and enjoy.

Starting with Kenny Garrett’s “Sing a Song of Songs,” Finzer partners with bass trombonist Reginald Chapman and drummer Quincy Davis to remotely record the Garrett melody into a fresh and harmonious version that brings a new perspective on this new tune. Next, enters Finzer “plunging” into Duke Ellington’s “The Star Crossed Lovers” that not only pays tribute to one of Finzer’s favorite composers but also tips a hat to his teachers Wycliffe Gordon and Steve Turre. Finzer starts this track alone, eventually back by a trombone ensemble, then keeps the attention of the listener with soulful singing using the plunger but never letting it get in the way of the trombone voice.

One of two tracks that include a quartet setup with Finzer on trombone, Xavier Davis on piano, Quincy Davis on drums, and Jay Anderson on bass, the standard “Stardust” is served on a platter with luscious, moving melodies. Coming in as the fourth track, “Laura” is pure solo trombone that explores quick intervals changes, reminiscent of a Bach Cello Suite or Arvo Pärt’s “Fratres.”

“Mood Indigo” features bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton and her sizzlin’ pedal notes. While a good arrangement, too much layering of parts and voices indicates that nothing can replace everyone being in the same room to record, as different mics (and environments) could be used in remote recording.

Another solo trombone track, “Judy” showcases the ability to captivate a listener with no accompaniment, no rhythm section, and still be a one-man player – a characteristic that Finzer has mastered.

The second quartet track, Pat Matheny’s “Bright Size Life,” gives another example to hopefully hearing this group live and in person. Finzer closes this album of non-original tunes by sending another hat tip to The Duke with “Single Petal of a Rose” which features beautiful intervallic jumps complemented by multiphonics.

Finzer pulls out all of the stops on this album, and it is clear through his tone that he enjoyed the challenge. From solo tracks to 10 and 15-layered multi-tracks, it is clear the Pandemic did not stop him from doing what he does really, really well: Create. Connect. Repeat.

Track List:
Sing a Song of Song
The Star Crossed Lovers
Stardust
Laura
Mood Indigo
Judy
Bright Size Life
Single Petal of a Rose

Click here to order Out of Focus (Direct).

Click here to learn more about Nick Finzer.