MATT FINLEY: Brazilian Wish

Matt Finley

Brazilian Wish

© 2006 Madison K. Finley (783707309200)

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Brazilian jazz samba and bossa nova by lyrical flugelhorn artist / composer Matt Finley, backed by Romero Lubambo, Mark Egan, Warren Bernhardt, Joel Rosenblatt, Jon Werking, others. Warm, bright & relaxed. It's Rio JAZZ in a box.

notes

A professional musician for over forty-five years, Matt Finley plays flugelhorn, trumpet, flute and soprano sax. A native of Lake George, New York, Matt performed for many years with Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Nick Brignola and was a featured trumpet soloist and arranger with the Albany Jazz Workshop professional big band. He studied composition with Edgar Curtis, Founding Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

Matt leads "Rio JAZZ", the dynamic Brazilian jazz concert band formed in 1988, featuring Peter Tomlinson, Mark Egan, Joel Rosenblatt, Jeff Ciampa, and Tomas Martin Lopez. With Peter Einhorn and Don Miller, Matt performs in smaller venues as "Brazilian Jazz & Beyond". Matt is also musical director for his wife, singer/songwriter Denise Jordan Finley. They live in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley and in Lake George. Matt is a retired professor of computer information systems and was academic dean at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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"Brazilian Wish" features nine of Matt's original Brazilian jazz compositions of sambas and bossa novas played by an all-star lineup produced by Jon Werking. Musicians include Romero Lubambo [Trio da Paz], Warren Bernhardt [Steely Dan & Steps Ahead], Mark Egan [Pat Metheny, Sting & Larry Coryell], Joel Rosenblatt [Spyro Gyra], Jon Werking [New York Voices], Tomas Martin Lopez [NYC Latin bands], Dave Finck [everybody's Brazilian CD], Jeff Siegel [Sir Roland Hanna], Jeff Ciampa [Dave Matthews], and horn section Dan Levine, Barry Danelian and David Mann [Tower of Power]. All songs composed by Matt Finley ©2006 Kingsmill Music / BMI.
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DJ Guide to "Brazilian Wish"

Track 1. Father's Day (4:10) - a hip, driving straight-ahead jazz samba with solos by Matt Finley, Jon Werking, Jeff Ciampa and Dave Mann

Track 2. Brazilian Wish (4:38) – a dusky, introspective bossa nova reminiscent of Jobim, featuring solos by Matt and Warren Bernhardt in a hybrid of Brazilian sonic structures under sleek, melodic American-style jazz

Track 3. There You Are (3:54) – a contemporary bossa fusion sound in driving 7/4, featuring the drumming of Joel Rosenblatt and the arranging of keyboardist Jon Werking

Track 4. Childhood Home (5:24) – a lyrical bossa nova anchored by Romero Lubambo with a lovely flugelhorn solo by Matt and rhythmic counterpoint to create additional interest

Track 5. When She’s Gone (4:08) – a catchy jazz cha-cha; dance to this one that’s easy on the ears!

Track 6. So Close (4:49) – the whole band charges out of the gate on this uptempo samba and keeps up the pace throughout, especially Romero Lubambo’s acoustic guitar solo, with a percussion break showcasing Joel Rosenblatt and Tomas Martin Lopez

Track 7. Another Year (4:40) – urban sophistication in a pop-oriented bossa nova with unusual syncopation and changes, and Matt on sensuous harmon-mute trumpet

Track 8. Calm Waters (6:10) – a smooth-as-silk bossa melody that breaks into driving double-time solos by Matt and Warren, seriously roiling the waters before returning to the calming melody

Track 9. Softly Speaking (4:22) – a wistful and introspective closing track that conveys the musical equivalent of the tropical sunset pictured on the CD's
back cover
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“Brazilian Wish” is a fantastic CD featuring tightly played, captivating arrangements performed by a group of top flight New York City professionals. The band is perfectly suited to backing up trumpet/flugelhorn player Matt Finley in his solo explorations of his own compositions. Matt is a truly natural player; i.e., an “ear” player whose musicianship is on par with the great band he’s surrounded himself with. His solos are smooth, perfectly executed and always logical.” - Kelly Conner (pro pianist, composer & music prof)
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"Brazilian Wish" was recorded May 2005 at the Clubhouse, Rhinebeck, New York. Engineered by Paul Antonell. Horn section recorded at Dubway Studios, New York City. Engineered by Clint Collins.

Mixed by Bruce Berky at Nevessa Production, Woodstock, New York. Mastered by Dr. Toby Mountain, Northeastern Digital, Southboro, Massachusetts.

Photography by Andrzej Pilarczyk, Saratoga Springs, New York and Jordan Finley, Sherman Oaks, California. CD design by David Stevenson, Retinal Graphics, Chester, New York. Manufactured by Oasis.

Arranged and produced by Jon Werking, Cedar King Productions, Warwick, New York. Matt Finley, Executive Producer.

reviews

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  • A stunning achievement
    author: Frank Villafañe (Reviewer for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET)

    Matt Finley has produced a very polished product. As a world-class trumpeter, Matt holds his own with some renowned jazz performers featured on this CD. Brazilian Wish is a beautiful showcase of his skill as a composer and performer. Matt's execution is virtually flawless; he smokes on every tune. I greatly enjoyed listening to Brazilian Wish, and will return to it often. If you long for a taste of Brazil, and can't get there, then this is the next best thing. Definitely one Brazilian Wish that comes true - solid A's all around… obrigado, Matt!

  • quality to rival any of the big labels
    author: Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET

    Brazilian Wish, the debut recording by trumpeter and flugelhornist Matt Finley is an independent release of a quality to rival any of the big labels. A fantastic production, with top-notch accompanists, great arrangements, well written, catchy Latin flavoured songs – all composed by Mr. Finley and performed in a high energy joyful spirit that flows from the opening track and throughout the nine songs that make up this truly fine first effort. The opening track “Father’s Day” begins in a funky manner, think of the Tower of Power horn section. The song bridges to a catchy melody that repeats itself while the soloists provide some enchanting riffs, Matt Finley displays a clear, smooth tone on the first solo. Jeff Ciampa on electric guitar glides over the rhythm with some fine riffs and opens the door for Dave Mann on soprano sax who communicates with fluid passionate lines. The next song, the title track “Brazilian Wish” takes it down a notch and plays in a Bossa groove with Mr. Finley producing a warm mellow tone on flugelhorn. Warren Bernhardt leads the rhythm section of Jeff Siegel (drums) and Dave Finck (acoustic bass) with gorgeous piano playing, adding breaks of delight to compliment the gifted horn playing of Matt Finley. “So Close” is one of the highlight tunes, featuring wonderful horn arrangements and exciting solos by guitarist Romero Lubambo, trumpeter Matt Finley and percussionist Tomas Martin Lopez. Drummer, Joel Rosenblatt and electric bassist Mark Egan drive the tune forward with ferocious energy and a spirit that virtually leaps from the speakers. The CD Brazilian Wish maintains the theme of refined Brazilian music from beginning to end, with influences across the map - that make for an interesting blend. The arranger and producer, Jon Werking has done a superb job with this recording. Mr. Werking also plays piano and keyboards on some of the tracks. A smooth listening pleasure of jazz-flavoured Latin grooves for all those who require some spirit, some soul and some hot dance music - check out Matt Finley’s Brazilian Wish, very nice.

  • Playing is top notch
    author: Russ Davis, Program Director, Beyond Jazz - XM Satellite Radio

    Your playing, as well as that of the cast of fine players with you, certainly is top notch - best of luck... Russ Davis

  • good chances to be successful on internacional market
    author: DJ El Chino, SOLAR LATIN CLUB

    Matt, Due to the experience I have in Europe, South America and Asia as DJ, promoter and manager of various europeen and north american groups, I can assure you that your album have good chances to be successful on the internacional Salsa and Latin Jazz musical market.

  • That is some good stuff!
    author: Lisa Glick

    I listened to your entire CD tonight. That is some good stuff! I loved the Latin rhythms and I love - love the sound of your trumpet - sounds like a vocal! I am going to order a few more copies to give as gifts. Fabulous tunes.

  • Thanks and hello, Matt
    author: Leland (Lee) Deane '74

    I've known Matt since my freshman year at Union, and he was a talent then. Good to hear you again, old friend.

  • You sound terrific
    author: Peter McEachern

    Hi Matt, I just got it today and it sounds great! Impressive personnel as well. You sound terrific on all your solos. Congratulations! Its very impressive and very beautiful.

  • magic aura in the music
    author: Dave Hoskins, Kent UK

    Fantastic sound, very melodic, top professional in all ways, you must be very proud to have written, arranged and played this music, must have been great playing with equal top class musicians, you get a magic aura in the music, great stuff

  • Better than the demos
    author: Russ Stanton

    Got the CD today. Been listening to it in the truck. Great sounds. Better than the demos. The demos aren't as bright sounding as the CD is so, for anybody who likes what they hear in the demos, you're gonna love the CD when you buy it.

  • Love the CD
    author: Duane Beyer

    Love the CD, and so does my little guy, Matthew. He starts dancing as soon as I put it on!

  • It's fantastic.
    author: Steve Horowitz

    I have listened to it and it's fantastic. I've had it looping on the computer here at work. A beautiful mix of tunes - nice writing! Very nicely balanced and I liked the use of the "Dubway Horns". Impressive personnel list. And your playing on it is excellent. I can see this fitting in nicely in many settings. Thanks for caring about my opinion. I really enjoyed it.

  • Well done!
    author: Peter Tomlinson

    Hi Matt, Well done! Your playing and your tunes never sounded better. I'm probably most attracted to the more acoustic material (predictably). The level of arranging and production are on a much grander scale than I would have imagined, and very well done. My hat's off to Jon also. Best of luck with it, Peter.

  • In the classic tradition of Brazilian Bossa Nova jazz with a comtemporary flair
    author: Vernon Carne, composer/krmjazz.com

    In the U.S. when we think of Brazilian music, we think of the music introduced to us in the early 60s and the music of Antonia Carlos Jobim in particular. Brazilian Wish safeguards this feel while injecting a touch of the classic and contemporary jazz sounds. A delightful album, easy on the ears, that you will listen to over and over.

  • Serious musical credentials
    author: Randy Treece

    Retired professor, now full-time musician and trumpeter/flugelhornist, Matt Finley, the front man for Rio Jazz who hails from the Poughkeepsie/Kingston area, has added to his musical wares, Brazilian Wish. Finley must have serious musical credentials to attract the likes of jazz guitarist extraordinare Romero Lubambo, venturesome pianist Warren Bernhardt, bassist Mark Egan of Pat Metheny and Sting fame, Joel Rosenblatt, the rhythm master for Spyro Gyra for fourteen years, and a host of other bona fide musicians.

  • High Note!
    author: Adirondack Life Magazine (Annie Stoltie, Senior Editor)

    Trumpeter Matt Finley's Brazilian Wish, with its jazz sambas and bossa novas, is an easy-on-the-ears treat and nice background for lazy lakeside afternoons-especially "Calm Waters," which he wrote at Lake George. Finley's sound is velvety and his band, a combo of pros, makes his compositions flourish and flow.

  • FANTASTIC CD
    author: Pietro by Radiovinilemania

    Hey... se amate la dolcezza dei suoni e della musica brasiliana questo è un CD veramente da non perdere!!!!! Difficile da descrivere... solo ascoltandolo si riesce a capire!!!! CD molto apprezzato anche in Italia già al TOP degli ascolti!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Ciao Ciao Pietro

  • Brazilian Wish Granted!
    author: J. Spica, WVKR Radio

    Brazilian Wish showcases thirteen of the hippest Brazilian jazz performers in the world. Silky smooth grooves are expertly crafted and easy on the soul. The title track is soft and sensual, cool and breezy. Not the hot, sweaty, dirty dancing associated with the music of Carnival. No rough edges anywhere, the sounds are effortlessly delivered. Glossy, urban sophistication is energized by precision interplay between musicians. This disc never takes its eyes off its roots, and is a hybrid of Brazilian sonic structures under sleek, melodic American style jazz.

  • Great energy: very warm, bright and relaxed!
    author: Kate Goldsmith, Taconic Press

    "Brazilian Wish" has a great energy: very warm, bright and relaxed. The nine original tracks by trumpeter and flugelhorn player Matt Finley feature arrangements by Jon Werking that sparkle and pop, with a propelling rhythmic infrastructure. The music is inspired and not pedantic; ideas are fully developed without overstatement. The album is nicely paced, and the performances are top-notch. Finley's playing is fluid and melodic, with satisfying nuance, and he has assembled some of the finest jazz artists around, including guitarists Romero Lubambo and Jeff Ciampa, bassist Mark Egan, keyboardists Warren Bernhardt and Werking, and former Spyro Gyra drummer Joel Rosenblatt, who plays drums on six of the nine tracks. The CD's opener, "Father's Day," is hip and assertive, more straight-ahead jazz than the others. The title track follows, a dusky little number reminiscent of Sergio Mendes and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Other standouts include "Childhood Home," a melodic showcase for the trumpet, with rhythmic counterpoint creating additional interest. "So Close" charges out of the gate and keeps up the pace throughout busy solo sections. The percussion break is wisely kept short and sweet, although it would lend itself well to extension in a concert setting. "Another Year" is sleepy and sensuous, nicely syncopated but more straightforward than some of the CD's other offerings. "Calm Waters," the longest song on the disc, lives up to its name at first, with a smooth-as-silk melody line that only hints at what's ahead. A double-time change in the middle indicates rougher waters, with an expressive piano solo by Bernhardt, before calmness is restored in the final third of the piece. "Softly Speaking," the wistful and introspective closing track, conveys the musical equivalent of the tropical sunset pictured on the CD's back cover. Kate Goldsmith is the editorial director of specialty publications at Taconic Press, Millbrook, New York. Review reprinted courtesy of Taconic Press.

  • You have a product to compete with the best of them.
    author: John Ferrara, pro pianist, composer & former Berklee prof

    “Yo Matt, Great CD. I just finished listening to it. I will - I am sure - play it many more times. Tunes, charts and your solos are great. Really really nice. Also, special mention to that solo of Warren's on Track 8 - Calm Waters - absolutely beautiful. Band is of course the best - nice charts by Jon Werking. Mix and mastering is excellent too. You might do really well on this - the Indie market is tough, but you have a product that will compete with the best of them. Thanks for sharing with me, John”

  • author: Romero Lubambo (acoustic guitarist on the CD)

    I like it a lot! It's well produced and arranged. You played beautifully. Very good album, very pleasant. Good for the radio. I love the musicians that you chose and the great arrangements. Congratulations on a great project!

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