Christian Finger

Gretsch Artist Since: 1988

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Christian Finger Band, Independent, Educator

Current Kit Setup:
70's Stop Sign Badge Drum Set in Walnut
14x18 BD, 16x22 BD, 7x10 RT, 8x12 RT, 14x14 FT

70's Stop Sign Badge Drum Set in Green Gray
16x20 BD, 8x12 RT, 14x14 FT
5x14 50's Round Badge Snare in White Marine Pearl
5x14 60's Round Badge Snare in Black Pearl

Influences:
"Jack deJohnette, Elvin Jones, Jeff Porcaro, Paul Motian, Steve Jordan, Philly Joe Jones, Vinnie, and the list goes on."

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"A warm and classic sound, great tuning range and beautiful finishes and wraps."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Learn all about music and then forget it." (Charlie Parker)

Bio:
CHRISTIAN MICHAEL FINGER
Professional Drummer | Composer | Educator
Born and raised in Germany, Christian Finger is a New York City-based critically acclaimed drummer with a distinguished 30-year career. He has collaborated with some of the finest names in jazz, including Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Jeff Ballard, Dave Kikoski, Ralph Alessi, Rich Perry, Dave Stryker, Donny McCaslin, Ben Monder, Charlie Hunter, and Gene Bertoncini, among others.

Performing regularly at premier jazz venues and festivals in NYC and internationally, Christian is also a sought-after studio musician and sideman on the vibrant New York jazz scene.

A Cannes Shorts Film Festival nominee for Best Composer, Christian leads the Christian Finger Band and has released five solo albums:
- 'Balance' (2001) featuring Lee Konitz and John Goldsby
- 'Merge Into Beauty' (2006) featuring Rich Perry and the Momenta String Quartet
- 'Ananda' (2014) featuring Jeff Ballard, Dave Stryker, Zach Brock, and the Mivos String Quartet
- 'Dignity and Passion' (2019) featuring Vadim Neselovskyi and Adam Armstrong
- (Yet to be titled) (2025, forthcoming) featuring Ralph Alessi and Ben Monder

In addition to performing and giving clinics/workshops, Christian runs the NY Drum School, offering both in-person (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Jersey City locations) and online lessons.