Trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson returns to The Jazz Gallery this Thursday, November 16th, with his quintet Sicilian Defense, just days after returning from a European tour with Steve Coleman and Five Elements. Sicilian Defense has morphed continuously over the years, with different incarnations of the ensemble appearing on The Jazz Gallery’s stage. The group’s most recent album is Moving Still, released in 2016 on Pi Recordings.

With far-reaching praise by Downbeat and the New York Times, Finlayson is a modern, forward-thinking trumpeter marked by a compositional drive and an adaptable style. Throughout his already long career, Finlayson has collaborated with Ambrose Akinmusire, Ravi Coltrane, Mary Halvorson, Craig Taborn, Henry Threadgill, Von Freeman, Jason Moran, Dafnis Prieto and Vijay Iyer.

Finlayson has been featured many times as a bandleader at The Jazz Gallery over the last decade, and we’re delighted to welcome Sicilian Defense back to the Gallery stage. For this show, the ensemble will include guitarist Miles Okazaki, pianist David Bryant, bassist Chris Tordini, and drummer Craig Weinrib.

Jonathan Finlayson and Sicilian Defense play The Jazz Gallery on Thursday, November 16th, 2017. The group features. Mr. Finalyson on trumpet, Miles Okazaki on guitar, David Bryant on piano, Chris Tordini on bass, and Craig Weinrib on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $22 general admission ($12 for members), $30 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.