Cadence Jazz Records 1170 - to purchase click on this *

Opening the Gates is an album of spirit and spontaneity containing freely improvised composition that is completely organized.  For 'Opening the Gates', 'Spinning Pyramids Propelled', 'Starlight Extensions', and 'The Prayer for the Dead', James played a line for the rhythm section to assimilate.  " I used the oral tradition, learned from playing in countless blues bands, to express my ideas to the rhythm section.  This way, they could internalize the ideas quickly and make them their own."  The splendid results are on this album.

Composition and arrangements by James Finn, Dominic Duval and Whit Dickey
Voluble Horn Music, ASCAP

Recorded at the Gingko Tree Studio, New York, NY on August 28th and October 24th, 2003

Produced by James Finn for Cadence Jazz Records

Engineered and mixed by James Finn at the Gingko Tree Studio

Cover Art and design by Hillary J. Rusch

Press Reviews for Opening the Gates

"An astonishing debut album...well deserves any hype that will most assuredly come his way."
- Matthew Sumera, One Final Note, Opening the Gates

"The lyricism of Coltrane, the cry of Ayler, and the rhythmic sense of Sonny Rollins."

– Phillipe Elhem, Crescendo Magazine, Belgium - July 2004, Opening the Gates

"There's no doubt in my mind that Finn is already a voice to keep ears tuned to in 2004 and well beyond."
- Derek Taylor, The Bagatellen, Opening the Gates

"James Finn enters the realm of a small circle of free improvisational virtuosi who blow with passionate fervor and considered perspicacity."
- Steven Loewy, All Music Guide, Opening the Gates

"It's the kind of sound that makes the back of your neck prickle: throbbing, resplendent, beatific."
- Nate Dorward, Paris Transatlantic, Opening the Gates

"A truly dominant performer, Finn reminds of several past and present saxophonists.  John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and even the modern master James Carter, seem to swirl about his glass.  Yet, there is so much that is uniquely Finn that will, surely, become clearer with two more releases scheduled for this year.  Stay tuned, as you do not want to miss this."
- Germein Linares, All About Jazz Los Angeles, Opening the Gates

"...he turns fire into glow.  Here is a thoughtful player whose tenor navigates its path with precision and emotion."

- Jerry D'Sousa, All About Jazz, Opening the Gates

"The spirit that hallmarked the entry of liberated music many decades ago is perpetuated and reinforced on these overwhelmingly concentrated selections.  While brawn is the mainstay, there exists a full complement of beauty crafted from the totality of the artists' contributions.  An aura of sensitivity coexists with the raw elements of authority. Climbing aboard this sound craft is an invigorating experience that will simultaneously lift and exhaust through its vibrant message trumpeting the art of creative unity."
- Frank Rubolino, Flying Blind, Cadence Magazine May 2004, Opening the Gates

"This is an artist with a clear vision delivering fully formed and strong music."
- Bob Rusch, Cadence Jazz Records, Producer's Notes for Opening the Gates

"James Finn plays with such intensity as to ultimately challenge the listener.  When he finishes a solo, we feel like survivors of a musical crucifixtion.  Finn clearly craves the dramatic impact and his music will so impress the accomplished avant-garde jazz ear."

- Gregory J. Robb, Jazz Improv Magazine, Opening the Gates

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