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Finn Wiest Quintet: Aurora

By Carl Medsker
April 25, 2025
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"Music chooses her musicians." —

Patricia Barber

piano
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Patricia Barber

In a small town in southern Germany,

" data-original-title="" title="">Finn Wiest heard her call and picked up the drumsticks at a young age. He worked his way to the Conservatory of Cologne, winning competitions and awards. New York City beckoned, where, in 2024, he earned a Master's degree from the City College of New York while also honing his skills as a busy sideman. Aurora (Self Produced, 2025) is the first release of his quintet, and it is a solid effort. Each member contributed one of the five compositions, an egalitarian approach yielding noteworthy variety. The tight, interwoven performances and group sound unite the five pieces. "Aurora" is a good introduction to the band's interplay and Wiest's creative percussion, although all tracks merit repeat listenings.

The band consists of

Julius van Rhee

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Julius van Rhee (alto sax),

Victor Fox

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Victor Fox (tenor sax),

Leandro Irarragorri

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Leandro Irarragorri (piano), and

Calvin Lennig

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Calvin Lennig (bass), and they gel nicely as a quintet. Although Wiest takes no solos on this recording, his thoughtful, musical playing shines through. Perhaps their next release will showcase his improvisational chops.

Contact Carl Medsker on All About Jazz.
Half my career in healthcare, half in IT, passionate jazz fan throughout.

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