Jonathan Finlayson has been described by the New York Times as “an incisive and often surprising trumpeter” who “brings a bladelike attack to complex materials.” Born in Berkeley, California, Finlayson began playing the trumpet at the age of ten in the Oakland public school system.  A love for music brought Finlayson to New York where he attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and received a B.F.A. in performance. 

 

Finlayson is widely admired for his ability to tackle cutting-edge musical concepts with aplomb. As a leader his critically acclaimed group Sicilian Defense has played festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe.     Working as a composer, Finlayson has been commissioned by the FONT festival, Jazz Gallery, Roulette Intermedium and the Shifting Foundation. He also participated in the 2016 Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute where he was one of ten chosen to write for a full orchestra.  As a sideman Finlayson has performed and recorded in groups led by Steve Coleman, Muhal Richard Abrams, Henry Threadgill, Vijay Iyer, Steve Lehman and Mary Halvorson.