A powerful drummer from Germany who has been part of the New York creative music scene for the past quarter-century, Christian Finger is also a skilled composer whose originals often draws upon deep emotions. He describes his  new album as being “about the time (ZEIT) that feels wide open when dealing with one’s inner realm (ZIRKEL). The music is rooted in the resilience and space of the human spirit specifically in the face of death and loss.” While exploring human suffering, Finger’s pieces turn dark feelings into hope about the days ahead and finding inner peace.

For this set of 13 explorations, Finger is joined by four brilliant musicians, each of whom add their creative skills and individual voices to the unpredictable and often-haunting music. Ralph Alessi has been an innovative trumpeter ever since joining altoist Steve Coleman’s Five Elements in the mid-1990s. Ben Monder first emerged as a distinctive and versatile guitarist in the early 90s and worked amomgst others with David Bowie. Pianist Vadim Neselovskyi (recorded and toured with Gary Burton) and bassist Adam Armstrong (played with Maria Schneider and Kenny Kirkland) first recorded with Finger back in 2006 and are long-time associates.

The opener, “Alta Anima” (which in Spanish means “high soul”), has a thoughtful theme played by Alessi, a countermelody added by Monder, and a fiery trumpet solo. “Hope and Hope” begins with an uptempo trumpet-drums-bass trio,is joined by guitar and calms down during the closing melody for a hymnic statement. “Fifteen PM,” one of the program’s highpoints, features blazing trumpet, rockish guitar, powerful drums, and a particularly creative piano solo.

The other selections include the picturesque “Dawn Dream,” an exuberant “Stimmung M,” the intriguing “Frei Geist” which has pianist Neselovskyi swinging in his own way, the intense “Wellenklang,” a stark ballad (“Five Secrets I”), the peaceful “Gentle Garden” which features bassist Armstrong, particularly close interplay by Alessi and Neselovskyi on “Zeit Zirkel,” the thoughtful interplay by the five musicians on the free-form “Five Secrets II,” and a pair of concise but colorful drum solos (“Time Flows For You” and “Time Flows For Us”).

Christian Finger was born and raised in Germany. Considered a child protégé, he studied drums in Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands. He spent time living and working in Europe and Sydney, Australia before moving to New York City in 2001. Since that time Finger has worked with such notables as Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Jeff Ballard, Dave Kikoski and several Grammy nominated artists. He was also nominated best composer at Cannes Documentary Film Festival.

Among the groups that he has led are the Christian Finger Band (a trio with Vadim Neselovskyi and Adam Armstrong with guests like Donny McCaslin and Rich Perry), the Finger European Band (a quartet with top German players), the collaborative IN Trio (with saxophonist Tim Armacost and bassist Harvie S), and the experimental duo nimbu2 with Peter Knoll. 

Zeit Zirkel is one of the finest showcases yet for Christian Finger’s highly individual writing, drumming, and ability to bring out the very best in his musicians.

BIOGRAPHY

Christian Finger is an award winning and critically acclaimed drummer, composer, and educator. He has played and recorded with renowned artists such as Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Jeff Ballard, Dave Kikoski, among others. 

“It takes an exceptional composer, leader, and percussionist to conceive a program of such ambition and scope, much less to make it work. Christian Finger is all three in one person and that marks him as an exceptional and exemplary contemporary musician.”

— Bob Blumenthal, Jazz Author

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 Musikhochschule Detmold. He continued studying drums in Germany, USA and the Netherlands. After receiving his BA and MA degrees and working in Europe, he moved to Sydney, Australia, and in 2001 relocated to New York City.

"...Finger's percussion is masterful, providing the perfect touch."

— Ken Dryden, NYCJR

Combining Jazz, Classical, World, and Pop music, Finger's compositions create a sophisticated sound of their own. His style is influenced by American Jazz tradition, European sensibility, indigenous music and film scores. 

Finger leads the Christian Finger Band in New York City, featuring the core unit of Vadim Neselovskyi and Adam Armstrong, as well as world renowned guest musicians Ralph Alessi, Dave Kikoski, Rich Perry, Donny McCaslin, Dave Stryker, Zack Brock and Dan Tepfer. He also leads the Finger European Band, featuring some of the best players from Germany, such as Claudius Valk, Frank Wunsch, Gunnar Pluemer and Hans Wanning.

As a collaborative member of IN Trio, he plays with bass legend Harvie S, and saxophonist Tim Armacost. The trio has released two critically acclaimed albums, “Defining Moment “and “Cascade”. Finger's most recent endeavor is Breathe-Live, featuring Christopher Braig and Peter Knoll; the band's first album “In Your Maze” is ready for release.

“Ananda is brimming with idealism and fearless venture... this ambitious undertaking successfully aspires to exude an abstract, sprawling vibe of global connectivity... Ananda is plentiful with such moments: cinematic tableaus that somehow gracefully merge... on-the-sleeve honesty and that’s key..."

— Jeff Potter, Downbeat Magazine

Christian finger band

Vadim Neselovskyi-piano
Adam Armstrong-bass
Christian Finger-drums

An outstanding international group of New York’s finest musicians, who combine jazz, classical, world, and pop music, creating a sophisticated sound of their own.

The band 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 band playfully engages audiences worldwide.

“[Christian Finger band’s music is] fast-paced and exciting, hauntingly beautiful and evocative, spontaneous and playful – all within a melodious framework unique and accessible.”

— Ken dryden, All About Jazz

 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).

FINGER EUROPEAN Band

Christian Kappe-Trumpet
Hans Wanning-Piano
Ingo Senst-Bass
Christian Finger-Drums

Finger has lived in Germany and the Netherlands and other part of Europe; during those years he established deep connections with a core unit of leading musicians, including the main members of the band, as well as Claudius Valk and Jens Boeckamp on tenor saxophone.

Their sound is colorful and rooted in European sensitivity, as it dips into a deep realm of creative process and possibility.

IN TRIO

Harvie S-Bass
Tim Armacost-Tenor/Soprano Saxophone/Flute/Electronics
Christian Finger-Drums

IN Trio is a New York City based creative collective. The band’s members have played with notable jazz luminaries. Harvie S has recorded over 400 records, and has performed with Chick Corea, Mike Stern, and Sheila Jordan; Tim performed with Al Foster, Billy Hart, John Patitucci and Randy Brecker; Christian has played with Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Dave Kikoski, and Jeff Ballard.

“Cascade” is the name of their second release, presenting a collection of stunning originals by all three members. The music has been evolving over four years into its present form, which contains groove, spontaneity, interplay and the element of surprise. 

There is no mistaking the commitment of this band; collective improvisation is combined with thoughtfully composed parts, while innovative and tasteful use of electronics creates an energetic ambience, and vibe.

The band’s mission is to create a sound that has a connection to the soul, exploring expressive possibilities, and joining various tributaries of influence.

BREATHE-LIVE

Christopher Braig-Soprano Sax/flute
Peter Knoll-guitars/effects
Christian Finger-Drums/Percussion

Experimental, Energy, Spontaneity-just three words to describe the music of this unique trio.

Organic like breathing, the music ebbs and flows in the moment, unpredictable and following a path of unwritten rules.

Performing all over the east Coast and Midwest, their new Album “In Your Maze” is slated for release this year.