My Man,

This is a vehicle you can use to keep in touch wherever you are in the world. Let's let everyone know who we are and why the 'Burgh tradition is second to none in jazz.

Welcome.

Hey Doc,

This is great. One begins to miss the love of Pittsburgh when abroad. I am glad and proud to represent Pittsburgh's grand traditions concerning the arts, American Classical Music (Jazz). Thanks with love, groove and home.

Musically,
Derrick Finch

Hello Derrick,

I send good wishes and hoping all is well in your journey. How's that good Sean doing? (your Uncle, I think?)

Be well good man,
George

Thanks for the add Derrick.

pittsburgh's jazz skyline is improved with your return. Hope to hear you one day! Welcome!

Hi Derrick

Long time no see! I am with Buster Alston all the time so he keeps me up to date with what you are doing. Did you finish your doctorate? How is your mom? Drop me a line.

Andy Yalch

Greetings Andy,

Yes. It has been years. I am goig through the ceremonies within the next two weeks. I will complete my writings during the summer. Yes. I have finished and am starting to look for new adventures musically. It is great to hear from you. My mom is fine. I will drop you a line to make some music. Wow Mr Yalch! It has been a long time. We will get together soon.

Sincerely,
Derrick Finch

Derrick
I am very proud of you! you did the Burg Good! Can't wait to see you and keep me updated!

Hey man. Miss you. Looking great. See you soon.

Hi Derrick,
So good meet you here.
Be well!
Kisses,
May

Derrick! It's Maryellen, from the Union! Remember me? Where are you? How are you doing? I am doing fine but am a lot older now!

Derrick, what's going on? I keep trying to holla at you, but I've gotten no response. Is everything okay? You do remember me, don't you?

Hey Derrick, best of luck in the final stages of writing, if things get rough you can draw on all that spirit from the Jazz Workshop and Grill days ... it'll see you through. Take care. -- Foley

Hi Derrick, just stopping by to wish you well

Peace and Blessing,
Janine

What up bro!! Hope life is treating you well.

Sean

Hey Derrick!

I studied music at Pitt from 92-97 and I remember you playing
Herbie on the piano and filling the halls with beauty. I'm certain you don't remember me but I was good friends (and still am) with Emmett Price III, and Kenny McNair. Take care my friend.
Jack

Hi Derrick,
Cogratulations on all your terrific acheivements on your music career- When I met you at Pitt (I played trumpet in the jazz band) I knew from the first second that you would succeed in a career in music.
You always had a lot of drive, passion, and commitment...
You did an excellent job at The Jazz Workshop, Inc. at the Homewood Library-
I'm glad to follow in your footsteps because I'm the Artistic Director there now.
Your welcome to come back and visit us any time.
I'm really proud of you and I hope and pray that you continue to a have a healthy, wonderful music career.

Musically,
Ed Skirtich
Artistic Director/Jazz Workshop, Inc.
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)

Hey Derrick!
I don't know you yet, but could one day via AAMI where I take voice lessons, just wanted to wish you great success in your career. (Peace out!)

hello to all in this network. my name is darryl eng. i just wanted to inform you that your friend derrick passed away a few days in a car accident in LA. He apparently lost control and crashed into my friend. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200902190533/NEWS01/90219001 my prayers and condolences go out to his family and all who knew him. Sincerely, Darryl Eng

It is with a heavy heart that we announce your passing dear friend. We treasure the brief time you had on this earth and promise to keep your memory alive on this network. If any members have any recordings of Derrick's playing, please post them as well as any photos so I can feature. He is the first member we have lost.

You are truly missed, brother. I can still remember sharing the bandstand with you and making beautiful music. You were a great person who left us way too soon. RIP.

Terrible thing , but the Lord knows all and calls home the spirit when it is their time. We can not understand because his work is unfinished.- kevin hurst sr.

Welcome Derrick these are a few of my paintings and photos.

Derrick's tragic and untimely death is an unbearable loss. What a fine, affable, and cultured young man he was. I'll never forget athe day I met him. It was at the Holiday Inn on one of the first occasions that I attended the PJS Sunday night performances. I noticed Derrick when he walked through the room looking for a table. He was wearing a sweat shirt with the slogan, "Danger--Educated Black Man," printed on the front. I was amused and stopped him as he passed by. We had a wonderful conversation and I found him to be charming and engaging. He told me that he was a pianist deeply devoted to jazz music and of his plan to go west in pursuit of a graduate degree. I was so impressed. I guess I impressed him, too, because he mentioned his wish that his mother could come to the Sunday night performances and wondered if she she did come could she sit with my friend and me. Of course it was fine with us and we exchanged telephone nos. Sadly, we never did get together, but she is now and will be in my heart and prayers forever. What a fine young man Derrick was. I hope she can someday find some solace in knowing how much he was loved and admired by all whose path he crossed.

I am shocked!! Speechless...

I was just returning to 'The Village', walking over to my friend Matt to say hello and he informed me a few minutes ago that Derrick Finch was lost to us in a car accident. My breath literally leapt from my chest. I knew Derrick Finch quite well here in Los Angeles. I called him Dr. He stumbled over the correct pronunciation of my name... it was an inside joke we shared - and we shared it about a week ago here in Leimert Park.

Dr. Finch was a brilliant man. He loved Jazz. His musicality was singular - one could tell in a very few notes when Dr. Finch was playing. He was full of life, happy and always smiling. His music was like that too. Matt and I were just musing about him 2 weeks ago, because we hadn't seen him since the new year had begun... smiling at the growth in character and musicianship we have been so honored to witness and share with him. And happy to that we are all a part of this tremendous and brilliant musical family... how nice it is to know him. And to have had the absolute honor to play with him is an ever-evolving gift. I learned something new each and every time I sang with him. His gift of accompaniment is so dear and special for a vocalist. I still remember certain sets we played as next level - type experiences.

From Leimert Park in Los Angeles, we send love and condolences to his family and loved ones.

He will be missed immensely.

Below, is a bit of video of Dr. Finch at the Benefit/Healing Gathering for Nate Morgan, December 26, 2008 @ The World Stage, Leimert Park... he comes in @ about 2:26

Remember to tell those your love that you love them.

It seems impossible and so wrong that 36 years is all that you got, my friend. You sure made the most of it. An immense talent and a kind and thoughtful spirit. I'm so sorry I won't get to see you again! My heartfelt condolences to your family and to all those who admired and loved you.

Hey Finch,

Wow... it seems like such a short time ago you were at Pitt w/ Nathan beginning your musical journey. You always knew how to be very focused yet always find the joy in the journey. Whether it was weight lifting/bodybuilding (I still use the movie trick when I workout!!!) or music you were always a joy to be around & work with. I'm glad to have know you & may the legacy of your friendship & brotherly love you shared with so many be a comfort to your family & myriad of friends.

Hill Jordan

Oh, no! We did not know him, but as a musician, he was our brother in spirit. We do not know why he was taken from this earth so suddenly and so young, but we are happy that he left a wonderful musical legacy during the time he was granted. Our deepest sympathies to all who knew him.

Michelle May
c/o Musique Noire

I am saddened by the loss of such a bright and rising star. He was always inspiring and pleasant to be around. Derrick will be remembered for the wonderful contribution to jazz in Pittsburgh and throughout.

Derrick was a great young man and a real strong musician, where ever he's at, he's playing

He was my Pittsburgh homeboy. We here in LA where Derrick has lived and played in his last years are absolutely shocked . . . He was on his way to Boston to be with his fiancee Kira who just landed a great job with WBGH. He had just handed in his doctorate papers to USC. I first met him when he was 15. Had to stop him from calling me Mr. Fielder. It was a joy to see him come from that to the fine pianist he became. We all have enjoyed many fine gigs with him over the last couple of years especially those with vocalist Sandra Booker, they were musical soulmates and incredible to hear together. Derrick is from a direct line of 'pure Pittsburgh pianists' that go through Erroll Garner all the way back to Earl Fatha Hines. You can hear them both in his playing. He brought that Pittsburgh "theater/showman" tradition into the present with modern harmonic understandings like those from his Herbie Hancock influence. He was my dear son, brother and comrade in arms and will be sorely missed. We will be doing a tribute to him here in LA at some point. Such a bright light extinguished! And so young . . . . A sound never to be heard again. Please go to his website and order his CD which just came out! RIP Derrick! We love you . . .

I have known you for a short time. May your melodies play on and play on.........

wow... I had the pleasure of meeting Derrick in DC several years ago. What a wonderful person and musician. I did not know at the time that we were from the same area. You will be so missed. My condolences to the family. So young and oh so talented. RIP Derrick

My God, we lost a beautiful brother and artist, only his material body is gone but his soul and spirit will live forever.


your brother,

Leo

It saddens me to hear of the lost of a fellow member and musician.

Ray Ratliff Jr.

Who will take your place....none can. But we can play your music, god, Derrick, remember that gig you had at the bookstore and you thought your keyboard was in the trunk but it was at your HOUSE!!! Remember, me and your friend screamed down the HOV lane ant got from Mcknight Road to Wilkinsburg and back in under TWENTY minutes with that piano??? You played like an angel from God that day. And now you are an angel from God.
Folks, the First Annual Greater Pittsburgh Jazz Festival will be dedicated to Dr. Derrick Finch. Now who will help me bake the bread?

Biography Derrick Finch

Born in Pennsylvania in 1972, Derrick Finch grew up in Pittsburgh, and began playing the piano at the age of three. Motivated by his parents, both musical advocates, his attentions evolved to encompass both pop and jazz. “I began improvising on my small Casio keyboard, imitating the recordings my father brought home weekly… It was early ear training and self learning.” Derrick played in school bands before meeting and performing with Roy Ayres: “This was incredible motivational training. I was performing with my parents’ idol as a teenager.” While a teenager, Derrick worked with drummer Roger Humphries, and received big band experience with a Dr. Nathan Davis. After graduation, Derrick continued to freelance around Pittsburgh while continuing his studies at the University of Pittsburgh. There he met veteran pianist Frank Cunimondo: “I began studying with Frank who guided me in developing my own signature sound and exposed me further into the history of the instrument.” After seven years with Dr. Nathan Davis’ ensembles, Finch earned his Bachelors and continued to freelance and with his mentors Roger Humphries, Duane Dolphin and Jimmy Ponder to name a few. Having led his own small groups, Finch returns to school to pursue his Masters of Music degree in Miami Florida. After performing periodic short stints as a sideman with Ira Sullivan (1998 – 2000) in Miami, Finch migrates to Washington DC and meets veteran bassists Keter Betts, Butch Warren and pianist Shirley Horn (2000 – 02). “Being on the bandstand with such a musical heroes was such a moving experience.” In 2002, Finch gets accepted into U.S.C. Thornton School of Music’s Doctor of Music Arts program in Los Angeles California. Having met Patrice Rushen early in his formative years in Pittsburgh, she accepts him as a musical student and mentor: “I began studying with Patrice who consistently encouraged me to explore various genres and writing styles of music composition. Finch’s recording, producing, performing, writing, and teaching careers reach into various plateaus of music. Movies: Blind Spot-2006; Television: Heroes – 2008, E.R.- 2006, The Smiths-2006, U.S.C. Television-2004 and B.E.T. Jazz-2000; Recording: Washington Rucker’s My Ballerina (2005) and Barbra Morrison’s Summertime (2007). A continual student of the history of Jazz piano, Derrick Finch mentions Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Phineas Newborn, Errol Garner and Ahmad Jamal as some of his main influences. “…If the music does not swing, its not fun… the music is an expression of life’s experiences that I try to convey constantly. Finch completes his doctoral degree at U.S.C., owns a small music production company and freelances both locally and internationally as an educator and performer. University Of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Graduated: 2008 Student status: Alumni Degree: Ph.D. Major: Jazz Studies, Theory, Education and Industry 2002 to 2008 University Of Miami Coral Gables, FL Graduated: 2000 Student status: Alumni Degree: Master's Degree Major: Jazz Studies, Theory, Education 1998 to 2000 University Of Pittsburgh-Main Campus Pittsburgh, PA Graduated: 1995 Student status: Alumni Degree: Bachelor's Degree Major: African American Studies, Jazz Studies Clubs: Prince Hall Mason, York Right, Scotish Right and Shrine Greek: Omega Psi Phi

I didn't know Derrick, so 'Thank You' Nelson, for providing this information about him. What came to mind is a piece by John Donne that includes the lines, "...No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind..."
RIP young Mr. Derrick Finch and condolences to the family and friends.

Derrick was one of my early music students in the wilkinsburg school system. He loved the piano! I have known him and his family for many years. We had so many musical good times together and I was so proud of his accomplishments! My heart and goes out to his family!

Have any funeral arrangements been made in Pittsburg, PA yet?

Totally different venue...but if anyone knows the song "Six Strings Down", which was a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, you will appreciate the lyrics.... I didn't know you Derrick, but may God bless you...

My Best friend's wife is a life-long friend of Derrick's & has informed me that Spriggs & Watson Funeral parlor is handling the funeral/visitation arrangements. As of today she hadn't heard that a specific date had been set but that it would be early this week. As soon as I get specifics I'll definitely post it here.

HILL

He was a beautiful player and person and will be greatly missed but not forgotten. My deepest sympathy to those of us who knew and loved him.
I pray to God to keeps us all a close community.

His Funeral Mass was beautiful, his fiancee worte a stunningly perfect and simple letter to Dr. Derrick for all of us that was so real and so powerful, and she delivered it to us proud, head flung back, tears flowing but not stopping her, she gave it to us all woman, every bit as good as Maya Angelou ever delivered a poem.I could see why Derrick loved her..

He would have been proud.

Amen.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&channelID=93828181&MyToken=16b85ff7-fddf-43dc-94ca-6d2f07f20ca4

Videos of Dr. Derrick Finch

I just heard today about Derrick’s tragic passing by happenstance. We hung out frequently or as he would say would say-journeyed together, broke bread, smoked plenty of cigars, but more importantly we talked about how to overcome the challenges of life in a progressive manner and "keep it real." We shared so much and he truly made me a better person. I spoke to him last while I was in D.C., which was in mid-January. He was telling me about his days playing at Twins Jazz on U-Street; he was also packing boxes and putting the finishing touches on his dissertation while talking on the phone with me. I only wish that he was able to make the transition to Boston for bigger and better. Already well respected by peers directly in the music industry, and loved by friends generally, I think it can be agreed that Derrick was a once in a generation pianist and the next "big thing" for the rest of the world to know.

My heart goes out to his family in Pittsburg, his fiancé and those who were positively touched by him all over. My deepest sympathies to the family of Sonja Abate, I hope your daughter makes a full and fast recovery.

There will be a memorial service for Derrick’s LA family on Sunday, March 29, 2009: 3:00 p.m. at the University of Southern California (USC).

Here is a link with more details: http://web-app.usc.edu/ws/eo2/calendar/32/event/869006

There is so much more I want to say, but this will have to do.

RIP: Derrick R. Finch, DMA (1972 – 2009)

Jazz, cat lovers come to rescue of crash victim's cat
Thursday, March 26, 2009
By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A cat that survived a Feb. 17 car crash in California that killed Wilkinsburg native and jazz musician Dr. Derrick R. Finch is being flown to a new home in Pittsburgh thanks to the generosity of jazz lovers and cat lovers.

The tabby cat named Shadow has a new home with Shelia Finch, Dr. Finch's mother.

Dr. Finch, 37, a jazz musician who played throughout California, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate's degree from the University of Southern California.

Riverside County sheriff's deputies who arrived at the accident scene found the cat and took it to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, a shelter in Thousand Palms in the Los Angeles area. Friends told shelter workers that Shadow frequently traveled with Dr. Finch. The shelter contacted Mrs. Finch, who said she would like to take Shadow into her Wilkinsburg home.

The California shelter raised money to buy Shadow an airline ticket. He arrives in Pittsburgh on Friday, and Gretchen Fieser from the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society will pick him up and deliver him to Mrs. Finch.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First published on March 26, 2009 at 5:01 pm

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09085/958543-100.stm

Greetings... I am establishing a live Jazz Night on a Wednesday between 7pm to 10pm at a very nice, clean, and classy venue in the East Liberty area. The evening will feature local Pittsburgh musicians like Tony Campbell and many others performing for a very appreciative audience of jazz lovers.

I am a Pittsburgh native and local youth arts advocate attempting to expose young up and coming artists to the heart and soul of pure Pittsburgh music culture and traditions as they meet and learn from some of the local Music Masters. If you are interested in hosting a Wednesday night once a month or every other month I would be humbled and honored to make this happen.

Respectfully,

Kent Bey

412.657.3327
kbey7@royaltribemusic.com