MATT FINLEY - BRAZILIAN WISH (2006)
Matt Finley, flugelhorn & trumpet
Romero Lubambo, acoustic guitar
Warren Bernhardt, piano (tracks 2,8,9)
Jon Werking, piano & keyboards (tracks 1,3,4,5,6,7)
Jeff Ciampa, electric guitar
Mark Egan, electric bass (tracks 1,3,4,5,6,7)
Dave Finck, acoustic bass (tracks 2,8,9)
Joel Rosenblatt, drums (tracks 1,3,4,5,6,7)
Jeff Siegel, drums (tracks 2,8)
Tomas Martin Lopez, Latin percussion and the Dubway horn section (tracks 1,3,4,6)
Barry Denielian, trumpet
David Mann, tenor & soprano sax
Dan Levine, trombone
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
Review by 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.
