David Finck

A gifted New York-based bassist and bandleader, David Finck is known for his sophisticated, straight-ahead acoustic jazz albums. Initially emerging as a session and touring performer in the 1980s, Finck has worked with a bevy of Grammy-winning pop and jazz performers including Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, André Previn, and Elton John, among others. As a solo artist, he leads his own small groups and has garnered praise for albums like 2008′s Future Day, 2017′s Low Standards, and 2019′s Bassically Jazz.
Born in 1958 in Rochester, New York, Finck grew up in a musical family and first began playing bass at age ten. As a teenager, he studied privately with both Michael Shahan and Sam Goradetzer of the Philadelphia Orchestra. After high school, he earned his degree from Eastman School of Music and toured with Woody Herman before moving to New York in 1981. As a sideman, Finck has built an impressive array of credits performing and/or recording with artists from across the musical spectrum, including Michel Legrand, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Rod Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Rosemary Clooney, Jon Secada, Paquito D'Rivera, and many more. Along with his own jazz work, since the ’90s he has recorded regularly as a member of pianist Steve Kuhn’s band. He also paired with pianist André Previn for a series of dates, including 1998′s We Got Rhythm: Gershwin Songbook, 1999′s We Got It Bad and That Ain't Good: An Ellington Songbook, and 2001′s concert album Live at the Jazz Standard.
As a leader, Finck made his debut in 2008 with the quartet album Future Day, featuring vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Tom Ranier, and drummer Joe La Barbera. Three years later, he paired with pianist Roger Davidson for the tribute album Umbrellas & Sunshine: The Music of Michel Legrand. He then joined guitarist Tisziji Munoz for a series of recordings before returning in 2017 with two albums: Low Standards, featuring pianist Gary Versace and drummer Carl Allen, and The Deep, a duo effort with pianist Shelly Berg. In 2019, Finck issued Bassically Jazz, which included guest spots from vocalists Linda Eder and Alexis Cole. ~ Matt Collar