NEW CD by Christian Finger: "Merge Into Beauty" Sophisticated, melodic Jazz performed by an outstanding international group of New York's finest musicians, joined by a stellar String Quartet - combining jazz, classical, pop, and turning it into an exceptional sound of its own. "Merge Into Beauty" 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 CD explores American jazz tradition and mixes it with European sensitivity. Unique string interludes weave together these colorful and eclectic tunes, enhancing the intuitive and interactive playfulness of the band. The result is diverse: fast-paced and exciting, hauntingly beautiful and evocative, spontaneous and playful - all within a melodious framework that makes "Merge Into Beauty" very accessible. MUSICIANS: Christian Finger (Germany) : drums, composition, arrangement Rich Perry (USA) : tenor saxophone Vadim Neselovskyi (Russia) : piano Adam Armstrong (Australia) : bass Tom Chang (Canada) : guitar Momenta String Quartet (USA) The CD "Merge Into Beauty", recorded in NYC, features superior sound quality with musicians who have worked with famous artists such as Lee Konitz,Dave Kikovski (Christian), Gary Burton (Vadim), Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, Richard Beirach (Rich), Kenny Kirkland, Kenny Wheeler (Adam), Greg Osby, The Supremes (Tom), among many others. The Momenta String Quartet is one of the finest ensembles for performing contemporary music in the USA. PRESS & COMMENTS: "Great CD and playing... Commitment to the Moment..you should be proud... Congratulations!" -Jeff Ballard (C.Corea, Metheny/Mehldau) " ... a top shelf recording... features Perry as a member of drummers Christian Finger's international band....Christian Finger's "Merge Into Beauty" draws from many influences, though it sounds much like a suite. Accompanied by Perry's eloquent tenor sax plus a fine rhythmsection with pianist Vadim Neselovskyi, bassist Adam Armstrong..., Finger's compositions have hooks that immediately grab the listener, while the musicians build upon the tension created with spellbinding solos and potent interaction, the leader's hands and precise cymbal work adding just the right touch. Highlights include the moody lament "End of an Era", along with the haunting, fragile "Halfway till dawn"... The Standard "Falling in love" is reworked into an intricate postbop setting that strays far from its usual path, featuring Perry with Armstrong and Finger providing the pulse..." -Ken Dryden, "All About Jazz" New York May 2007 “Christian Finger’s Merge Into Beauty is a work of great compositional depth and emotion. Finger, a German-born drummer and composer, has lived stateside since 2001, and he has wasted no time in honing his drumming and compositional crafts. This album, the follow up to his Balance recording that features Lee Konitz, uses a wide-harmonic palette and a large array of musical colors and shades to create a mood and sound that is unique and captivating…you are sure to enjoy basking in Finger’s gorgeous music… “End of an Era” has a hip, dark quality throughout. The Finger’s slow, swinging swagger is a perfect match for the sleek melodic line. The quirky melodic material from “Alone in Cologne” is instantly appealing….Finger’s firm swing pulse, helps to provide a great feel for the song…, Armstrongs engaging bass solo… and following a strong drum solo the band returns to the original melody.. Perry’s saxophone and Vadim Neseolovskyi’s piano meld beautifully at the outset of “Heartsong”. Neseolskyis light touch touch, sesnsitive sounds and strong musical ideas are perfect…”You make nice noise” is a mysterious piece… wonderfully played by Perry, Armstrong and Finger. As things move forward, the listener observes a wonderfully hip and enjoyable musicale whole when things start to gel and each of these three musicians get into the zone.“Amaya’s Dream” is a work of musical serenity and spirit… “Halfway till Dawn” is a meandering maze of music… The light and subtle touch required to handle “The Peacocks” is on full display here. Hearing Perry and Neselovskyi work together, with Finger controlling it all from behind, provides a breath-taking ending to a stunningly beautiful album." Dan Bilawsky, "Jazz Improv Magazine & Jazz Improv New York Jazz Guide", June 2007 "Christian Finger: On "Merge Into Beauty" the drummer leads his agile band with the kind of percussion first tunes that makes all the auctions seem supercharged. Bop sax lines, fusion guitar screeds, and a compositional sense that integrates third stream influences conspire to overwhelm." -Jim Macnie, "Village Voice", New York "High season for Drumming Artists: They are called the “Heart and the Engine” of Bands- and that’s even an undertstatement... The drummers precision and flawless execution is the most important thing, everything depends on it on stage, great CD by Manu Katche, Marilyn Mazur, prove this point… New York is the most happening place w/ tons of great musicians, but is it possible to survive there? Mr. Finger tried and succeeded in doing. After a classical University education and good jobs in the German jazz scene and teaching positions at several Conservatories he moved 2001 to NY. He had connections via playing w/ US stars and contacts to famous drummers…Right now he ‘s playing in several ensembles, teaching, composing, writing for the “Modern Drummer” Magazine; his CD "Merge Into Beauty" (http://www.christianfinger.com) received great reviews from American magazines; 'A fantastic CD' says his famous colleague Bill Drummond. This year he’ll be touring Europe w/ the great Rich Perry." by H. Hielscher (DER SPIEGEL-Europe's biggest news magazine) "Fantastic CD!" -Billy Drummond (Carla Bley, A.Hill) "Editor's Pick" -CD Baby "Taking the reigns... very tastefull drumming here." -Modern Drummer Magazine “The Christian Finger Band played an amazing set. The audience loved the music, ranging from quiet, colorful and introspective compositions to fast tunes, covering a wide variety of styles; “Nu Drance” was definitely a crowd pleaser.” - Jazz Radio Sydney, Australia “...Finger's music is very diverse, reminding me sometimes of Pat Metheny, sometimes of Monk, sometimes of Bela Bartok. Rich Perry with his beautiful and haunting sound is a pure delight and so are the other musicians; beautiful string arrangements create a connecting web. It's amazing how this CD bridges all those styles with a strong character on it's own. Highly recommended.” - Hellweger Anzeiger, Germany For more info, please visit: www.christianfinger.com and also: www.myspace.com/christianfinger Thanks for your interest and support.