Trombone

Trombonist Sam Blakeslee Releases New Holiday Single

Coming off his recent release of The Long Middle, Sam Blakeslee has released a new single for this holiday season. Click below to hear Blakeslee’s arrangement of the Christmas Carol, “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” and read the reviews from his new album.

Click here to purchase this new single on Bandcamp.

Press Quotes:
“Wistful Thinking doesn’t, in other words, split into rhythm players and soloists. Instead, all four are integrally involved at sustaining flow whilst also weaving into the playing moments of individual expression.” – Ron Schepper, Textura

“Using his competence to envelop us in his impressionistic sound cloud, Blakeslee is a name to keep in mind. The Long Middle represents another stop on the road to soaring post-bop.” – Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail

“In a year fraught with anxiety and isolation, there are some musicians who have found powerful opportunities for musical and spiritual growth. As evidenced by his stunning new release, Sam Blakeslee is clearly one of them. This new body of work reflects a trombonist who thinks and plays like a composer, patiently waiting for each new idea to be heard before delivering and developing. As I listened to this album, I remembered something that Bob Brookmeyer used to say, “The line is everything.” I can promise that if you follow the line that permeates Sam’s new album, you will be richly rewarded with a story both unique and beautiful, and most importantly, honest.” – Alan Ferber, Grammy-nominated Trombonist/Composer

Sam Blakeslee & Wistful Thinking
“Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming”
Composed by Michael Praetorius
Arranged by Sam Blakeslee

Personnel:
Sam Blakeslee – trombone
Chris Coles – alto saxophone/pedals
Brandon Coleman – guitar
Matt Wiles – bass

Click here to purchase this new single on Bandcamp.

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy E. Smith is the Founder and Editor of Last Row Music. He received music degrees from Grace College, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Ohio State University. Currently, Jeremy is the bass trombonist of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and performs throughout Ohio, where he lives with his wife and two sons. Smith is a member of the International Trombone Association and the Jazz Journalists Association.