CD Reviews: Matt Finley Brazilian Wish -2009 Kingsmill Music
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Posted by: editoron Sunday, February 01, 2009 - 10:23 PM |
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By: Geannine Reid
Matt Finley has been a professional musician for over forty-five years, bringing to the table a multitude of instruments, which he showcases on his latest release Brazlian Wish. Finley plays flugelhorn, trumpet, and flute and soprano sax.
Matt earned his master's degree from the College of Saint Rose and is permanently certified to teach music in New York State. He performed for many years with Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Nick Brignola, and studied composition with Edgar Curtis, the founding Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
So what does all these experiences mean with regard to the CD Brazlian Wish? The answer, great music! The CD was produced and arranged by Jon Werking, it features nine of Finley’s compositions performed by an all-star group including Romero Lubambo, Jon Werking, Jeff Ciampa, Mark Egan, Joel Rosenblatt, Tomas Martin Lopez, Warren Bernhardt, Dave Finck, Jeff Siegel, and the horn section of Barry Danielian, Dan Levine and Dave Mann. Each cut flows to the next with beautiful storylines and musical and textural emotions. It bounces with fun, frolic and dance-ability, each musician contributes beauty to this team effort, with class “A” musicianship to boot.
The first cut “Father’s Day,” takes you to a place of youthfulness with the feeling of a summer breeze cruising down PCH with the sun in your hair. What a great opener to the CD, it makes you desire to delve further, with the opening funky bass line and the open voicings from the keyboard. A four note motif is masterfully developed, obviously Finley has cut his teeth studying the masters of composition, and it shows! Up next is the title cut “Brazilian Wish” the first thought that came to mind was a romantic dinner for two where a night of romance was on the menu. The dessert to this cut is Matt Finley’s gorgeous tone and inviting phrasing on his solo. Additionally, Warren Bernhardt’s poignant and sensitive touch brings the cut an added dimension.
After all that romance its time to hit the dance floor with “There You Are,” you will feel your hips moving with an extra spring in your step, this salsa number uses an infectious montuno as a base to develop another great singing melody. The group really shines on this cut showing their ability to create rhythmic delights; again Finley weaves a fabric of an entertaining composition with engaging detours that are eloquently sewn into a well conceived cut. Continuing the journey of upbeat and fun we stop at “So Close,” which Finley’s publicist tells me is the closer on their live shows, I can see why, what a great way to leave your audience with a bouncy contented feeling. There is only three words to describe this track; dance, dance and dance!!
As I was listening to this CD, it occurred to me the transitions between each song was like a storyline to a perfect date. The CD ends with the dreamy cut “Softly Speaking.” I pictured myself in front of a fire with a glass of wine engaged in longing stares and engaging tenderness with my significant other. Jeff Ciampa’s guitar work is passionate and creates the right tension and release for the song. The double timed lines he evokes from his nylon strung guitar are cohesive and beautiful. Finley’s haunting muted trumpet work is outstanding. As through-out the entire release, Finley’s solos are like mini compositions within the form, a sign of a true master.
Many times music is used as the backdrop for gatherings, relaxing at the end of the day, romantic moments and more. We turn to music to create depth in our lives and Brazilian Wish should be one of those choices for any occasion. Finley’s compositions offer so many emotions you feel you are listening to your best friend talk about your favorite subject; this ability to connect immediately with the listener is a rare and commendable quality in a performer and composer. The musicianship is superb; each musician creates a complete chemistry. Finley’s trumpet and flugelhorn work on this CD is tonally immense with colors and textures, always musically creating beauty, intensity and using all the right notes to communicate to the listener the joy of life through the language of music. I cannot say enough about him as not only a technician, but a mature seasoned player. I am not alone in my high regard for Finley’s abilities; already the compositions from Brazilian Wish have received recognition at the Los Angeles Music Awards, and have charted in the "Top 50" jazz albums in Italy! Don’t miss this rare opportunity of musical joy.
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