Solo Bone

The trombone is one of the original jazz instruments, having a very special role in the early music of New Orleans. In the ‘modern jazz’ era the technical capabilities of the instrument were developed to incredible levels. Later, from around the 1960’s the textures of beauty and emotion that could be created on the trombone were explored more; these properties along with its human voice-like flexibility made the trombone one of the favourite instruments of the improvising musician. For many years I had the good fortune to work closely with one of the world’s greatest improvising trombonsts Paul Rutherford and I have to say in my opinion, in the world of elite trombones, Samuel Blaser ranks up there alongside Paul and Albert Mangelsdorff. This solo CD was recorded live in concert for Swiss Radio ‘Espace 2’; seven original tracks and an amazing version of Ellington’s ‘Mood Indigo’. George Haslam