Nick Finzer seems intent on constantly moving forward. This time, the trombonist, producer and band leader actually does it by looking back: The above video update of “Steps – What Was” celebrates the 50th anniversary of Chick Corea’s classic Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, released in December 1968.
“Steps – What Was” features Finzer’s Hear and Now band, with Lucas Pino on tenor sax and bass clarinet, Alex Wintz on guitar, Miki Yamanaka on piano, Dave Baron on bass and Jimmy Macbride on drums. They are also taking on Corea’s “Matrix” and “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.” These videos are an unexpected treat, since Finzer’s moving album No Arrival was just issued to much critical and fan acclaim earlier this year.
“Steps – What Was,” the first release, shows the remarkable versatility of Nick Finzer’s Hear and Now. Macbride shines with his subtle yet powerful intro, then Finzer steps into his solo while Yamanska and the rest of the rhythm section swing with powerful precision. Wintz’s guitar solo matches their mood, though it’s over just as it gets going. Pino follows Macbride’s interlude with a tasty bass clarinet solo that shifts the mood.
The arrangement here is challenging yet engaging. It’s what you expect from Nick Finzer, and it takes a band with this high level of talent to pull off “Steps – What Was.” Now, I need to give several fresh listens to Chick Corea’s original album.
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