Biography
“When you hear Zach Finnegan, you will love his sound, feel and presence. When you meet Zach Finnegan, you will be charmed by his gracious, honest, and warm demeanor combined with a contagious smile and a generous joy for life. When you discover how dedicated Zach Finnegan is to serving his community, you will realize how very special he is: as a musician and a messenger for good in our world."
Matt Wilson; Grammy Nominated Drummer
Zachary Finnegan, a rising star in the world of jazz trumpet, calls Chicago home. His career soared in 2022-2023 with a global tour alongside five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé, performing in iconic arenas and stadiums around the world. Praised for his “golden tone and excellent technical command” (All About Jazz), Zach has contributed to 14 albums, including his critically acclaimed debut solo release, Guidance & Gratitude, in June 2024.
Zach’s trumpet has graced esteemed ensembles such as KNOWER, Clint Breeze & The Groove, the Buddy Rich Big Band, the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, and the Camila Mennitte Quintet. From New York’s Madison Square Garden to São Paulo’s Allianz Parque, his performances have captivated audiences across diverse settings. Closer to home, Zach is a fixture at premier jazz venues like The Green Mill, Café Coda, and The Jazz Kitchen, collaborating with prominent musicians such as Meghan Stagl, Jared Thompson, Eric Brink, and Luke Sagadin.
His ensembles have earned spotlight moments at major festivals, including opening for jazz legend Dave Liebman at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in 2017. Zach has also headlined the Bull Falls Jazz Festival and the Taste of Bloomington Festival, cementing his place in the jazz scene.
Beyond jazz, Zach’s versatility shines in collaborations across genres. He has worked with electro-funk duo KNOWER (Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi), Mexican singer-songwriter Rosalba Valdez, rapper Emmitt James, crooners Hayden Grove and Sal Valentinetti, Broadway star Jared Bradshaw, and the hip-hop/jazz-fusion band Clint Breeze & The Groove, showcasing his adaptability and wide-ranging musical artistry.
Long Biography
Zachary Finnegan is a renowned trumpeter and composer known for his ability to seamlessly merge jazz, classical, and cinematic styles. Originally from Weston, Wisconsin, Zach now calls Chicago home, where his artistry continues to thrive. Growing up surrounded by music under the mentorship of his father—a band director and worship leader—Zach developed a deep passion for the arts, rooted in a blend of spirituality and melody.
Zach holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Jazz Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he studied under Mathew Buchman, Brent Turney, Dave Story, and Patrick Lawrence. He furthered his education at Indiana University, earning a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance while working closely with John Raymond, Brent Wallarab, Walter Smith III, Greg Ward II, Pat Harbison and Joey Tartell. These formative experiences with his mentors instilled a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary traditions.
Zach’s career reached new heights when he joined five-time Grammy winner Michael Bublé’s band in 2022. He has toured the globe with Bublé, performing in iconic arenas, castles, and stadiums worldwide, and continues to work with the internationally acclaimed artist. These performances have solidified Zach’s reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician in the industry.
In addition to his work with Bublé, Zach has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Broadway star Jared Bradshaw, the experimental duo KNOWER, Hip-hop jazz fusion group Clint Breeze & the Groove, and Latin singer-songwriter Rosalba Valdez. His ability to adapt across genres has made him a go-to collaborator for projects that push musical boundaries.
Zach’s 2024 album, Guidance & Gratitude, showcases his growth as a composer and bandleader. Featuring rich, cinematic arrangements performed by a jazz sextet and string quartet, the album reflects his vision for blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences. Produced by Greg Ward, the project highlights Zach’s unique voice and has been met with critical acclaim.
Throughout his career, Zach has led and co-founded ensembles such as the Omnos Quartet and the Crossroads Quintet, producing acclaimed recordings like Intertwined and the Omnos Quartet Live album. His earlier experiences include opening for artists like Dave Liebman and Janet Planet at major festivals and performing as a solo guest artist across Europe during the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music Tour.
As an educator, Zach is passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians. He teaches at PCCCArts in Chicago and has worked with organizations such as Jazz Empowers and Band for Today to bring music education to students nationwide.
With his ongoing collaboration with Michael Bublé, his critically acclaimed album Guidance & Gratitude, and a wealth of collaborations and projects, Zachary Finnegan continues to expand his artistic reach, captivating audiences around the world with his innovative and heartfelt music.
"Zach is one of those rare special musicians who seem to have the entire skill set for being a very successful performer. He is always joyful, entrepreneurial, highly motivated, ambitious without being off-putting, and he connects with his audience musically and personally."
~Brent Turney; Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago, Maynard Ferguson and Aretha Franklin Horn Section
