J.J. Johnson Legacy Project

Legacy is a joyous centennial celebration of the legendary J.J. Johnson by admired trombonist, composer, educator, and label founder Nick Finzer. Known as one of jazz’s most profound luminaries, J.J. Johnson is considered one of the most influential and pioneering trombonists in jazz history. Legacy assembles Johnson’s original band members including pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Lewis Nash, and was recorded at the iconic Rudy Van Gelder studios in Englewood, NJ, where Johnson himself recorded many of his classic albums. Featuring a host of arrangements of Johnson’s compositions, pieces from his regular songbook, and Finzer’s own originals that exemplify Johnson’s distinctive style, Legacy is not merely a tribute album but stands as a testament to the ever-present and transformative influence Johnson still has today.

Hailed as a “Rising Star” in the world of jazz (DownBeat Critics Poll), Nick Finzer is making waves in the music industry with his dynamic original compositions and trombone artistry. Finzer has toured the globe as a bandleader as well as sharing the stage with some of the most respected names in jazz. As both a headlining trombonist and an entrepreneur, Finzer is on a mission to spread the joy and power of jazz. In the past 10 years, Finzer has released seven critically acclaimed albums, garnering features in the industry’s top publications and reaching the #1 position on the JazzWeek Radio charts. His original compositions have received national recognition through the honor of two ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards, and in 2020 he became a recipient of the prestigious New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America.

Finzer’s album Legacy (2024) celebrated the centennial of trombone legend J.J. Johnson, reaching the top of the JazzWeek Radio Charts for three consecutive weeks. In 2018, Nick Finzer made history as the inaugural Professor of Jazz Trombone at the prestigious jazz program at the University of North Texas. As a leading figure in the world of jazz, Finzer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to both the university and the broader music community through his teaching, creative work, YouTube channel, and advisory roles with artists and institutions focused on long-term creative strategy and sustainability. Nick is an artist for Conn-Selmer Inc. and plays a King 3B+ Trombone.