A gifted New York-based bassist and bandleader, David Finck is known for his sophisticated, straight-ahead acoustic jazz albums. Initially emerging as a session and touring performer in the 1980s, Finck has worked with a bevy of Grammy-winning pop and jazz performers including Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, André Previn and Elton John, among others. As a solo artist, he leads his own small groups and has garnered praise for albums like 2008’s Future Day, 2017’s Low Standards, and 2019’s Bassically Jazz.

Born in 1958 in Rochester, New York, Finck grew up in a musical family and first began playing bass at age ten. As a teenager, he studied privately with both Michael Shahan and Sam Goradetzer of the Philadelphia Orchestra . After high school, he earned his degree from Eastman School of Music and toured with Woody Herman before moving to New York in 1981.

Along with his own jazz work, since the ’90s he has recorded regularly as a member of pianist Steve Kuhn’s band. He also paired with pianist André Previn for a series of dates, including 1998’s We Got Rhythm: Gershwin Songbook, 1999’s We Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good: An Ellington Songbook, and 2001’s concert album Live at the Jazz Standard.

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