BioBorn in Weimar, Germany in 1954, Finger was raised in a musical family (his father was aconductor), and began studying the violin and piano at age six. As a teenager, Finger’s growing talent on the classical violin earned him the first price of the prestigious Jugend Musiziert (Youth Playing Music) competition twice, but it was on another instrument that he would soon get recognized as one of its most creative ambassadors. Having initially discovered the guitar as a way to rebel against his parents’ musical ideals, he had become fascinated with the fingerpicking guitar style that was prevalent during the folk music movement of the 1960’s. Within a couple of years, he had honed his skills to where they got the attention of American guitar legend Stefan Grossman, who immediately signed the 19 year old to his brand-new Kicking Mule Records label. Released in 1974, Finger’s Bottleneck Guitar Solos became one of the labels best selling albums, catapulting the young artist to international acclaim. Since these early beginnings, Finger has created a musical career full of impressive highlights. Concert tours have delighted fans throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Russia, more than a dozen albums have received the approval of critics the world over, and collaborators have included heavy-hitters such as vibraphonist Florian Poser, saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and percussionist extraordinaire Trilok Gurtu. It goes without saying that among aficionados, Finger’s name is mentioned in the same breath as players such as Ralph Towner, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, or Baden Powell. Finger is also held in high regards among his fingerstyle guitar peers, many of whom have found a home on Acoustic Music Records, the specialty label he founded in 1988. |
