The David Finck Quartet: Future Day (2008)

Michael P. Gladstone

Senior Contributor since 2003

I came out of my musical hibernation circa 1960 and hit the streets for a new education on the past, present and future.

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Published: May 13, 2008

Over the years, in-demand bassist David Finck has been the choice for several high profile jazzmen and pop stars, always providing a professional and highly musical pulse. On Future Day Finck ensures that his debut as a leader will stand up, with a superlative combination of personnel and music.

The inclusion of vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Tom Ranier and ex-Bill Evans drummer Joe La Barbera, plus trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and tenor saxophonist Bob Sheppard guesting on two tracks, is an invitation for some good jazz.

Locke, who has provided a clear link to the late Milt Jackson's heritage over the past decade, is the key melodist, and his playing is as sparkling as usual, whether it be the Lewis/Coots standard "For All We Know" or his own "Appointment in Orvieto." Ranier, overlooked as a composer and pianist for far too long, is also well represented here.

The album opens with Rainer's bluesy "I Know." La Barbera is given a brief opportunity to show his mastery of the drum set on Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots," a tune which has been placed in the dustbin a bit too early. Pelt and Sheppard provide a nice change in coloration on "Four Flags" and "Black Eyes."

The constant groove and musicality established by Finck and his quartet make Future Day an enjoyable debut.

Track Listing: I Know; New Valley; Nature Boy; Four Flags; Ballad for a Future Day; Black Eyes; Look at You; For All We Know; If Not for You; Appointment in Orvieto; Transparency; Firm Roots.

Personnel: David Finck: bass; Joe Locke: vibes; Tim Ranier: piano; Joe La Barbera: drums; Bob Sheppard: tenor saxophone (4, 6); Jeremy Pelt: trumpet (4, 6).

Record Label: Soundbrush Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream