Sam Blakeslee Large Group: Live at Blu Jazz​+​ (October 25, 2018)

With his second album release as a leader, dynamic New York City based trombonist and composer Sam Blakeslee releases the debut of his 17-piece contemporary jazz orchestra, the Sam Blakeslee Large Group. The Sam Blakeslee Large Group held a monthly residency from January 2016-July 2017 at Blu Jazz+ in Akron, OH before his departure to New York City in August 2017. The ensemble's repertoire focused heavily on original compositions and arrangements while featuring the very best musical talent in Northeast Ohio as well as collaborations with artists from Detroit, Pittsburgh, and New York City. 

Sam Blakeslee

This album encapsulates the diverse music of the residency as well as documenting an incredibly formative time for Blakeslee as a composer and arranger. It also features a special collaboration with NYC jazz musicians David Smith, Jorn Swart, Cory Todd, and Dan Pugach (the latter of the three all played on his debut record "Selective Coverage"), two bonus tracks that feature Blakeslee arrangements of Akron's own, guitar virtuoso Dan Wilson's compositions, and one original composition from esteemed Northeast Ohio composer Dave Morgan. 

Encompassing traditional and avant-garde jazz styles as well as hip-hop influenced grooves, the "Live at Blu Jazz" is sure to leave the listener wondering what the next track will hold.

Woodwinds:

Bobby Selvaggio - tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9

Nathan-Paul Davis - tracks 1-9

Chris Coles - tracks 1-9

Johnny Cochran - tracks 1-9

Brad Wagner - tracks 1-9

Matt Segall - track 6

Trumpets:

Scott McKee - 1-9

Joe Badaczewski - tracks 1-5

Aaron Janik - tracks 1-5, 8-9

Jack Schantz - tracks 1-9

Ed Kline - tracks 6

Tommy Lehman - tracks 8-9

Trombones:

Sam Blakeslee 1-9

Chris Anderson - 1-9

Max Brady - tracks 1-6, 8-9

Mark Mauldin - tracks 1-9

Caleb Smith - track 7

Guitar:

Dan Bruce - track 7

Piano:

Theron Brown - tracks 1-9

Jorn Swart - track 6

Bass:

Dave Morgan - tracks 1-5

Aidan Plank - track 6

Kip Reed - tracks 8-9

Cory Todd - track 7

Drums:

Dustin May - tracks 1-6

Dan Pugach (drums) - track 7

Dave Throckmorton (drums) - tracks 8-9

Percussion:

Anthony Taddeo - track 6

Special Guests: 

Dan Wilson (guitar) - tracks 8-9

David Smith (trumpet) - track 7

Recorded January 2016-2017 at Blu Jazz+ in Akron, OH 

Recording Engineer: Joseph Scott 

Mastered by Kent Heckman at Red Rock Studios

1. New Blood

2. One More Conversation

3. The Universal Dance

4. Lurkin'

5. Divisive Statements

6. Rest

7. Medellin Tango

8. Who Shot John

9. Audible Distraction