The foundations of Blaser’s art are the breadth of his influences, his technical fluency, and the clarity with which he applies these assets. He grew up learning classical and Swiss folk music as well as jazz, and his projects include jazz-informed investigations of operatic, rock stead, and blues music. He understands that growth is relational, and has sought out and sustained relationships with veteran and senior musicians, such as Pierre Favre, John Hollenbeck, Gerry Hemingway, Marc Ducret, Paul Motian, Oliver Lake, and Daniel Humair, all of whom have helped him to develop his own sense of who he is. He exercises the full range of the trombone’s possibilities, including fluid melodic statements, emphatic rhythmic punctuations, earthy interjections, and abstract sound effects, with a clear sense of purpose. He approaches each endeavor as a leader and collaborator with a clear sense of purpose, knowing what he wants to accomplish and what each musical situation requires from him. Blaser’s responsiveness is never more evident than in his solo performances, which use his bold sound to draw out the qualities of both architectural and environmental setting.

Find out more about Samuel and his projects.

"An Intrepid”
New York Times

“a fantastic musician who’s one of the freshest trombone talents we’ve heard in years!”
Dusty Groove

“From Mangelsdorff, Thelin to Rutherford, the European free music scene has produced some of the most extraordinary trombonists in jazz and improvised music. Samuel Blaser seems destined to join that line.”
Jazz Journal, UK

“A significant presence in the international jazz scene”
All About Jazz

“Impressive expression and sound”
Jazz Tokyo