Award-winning trombonist, composer, and educator Sam Blakeslee continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz with the release of New Blood, the latest album from the Sam Blakeslee Large Group. Arriving September 25, 2026, via Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, the recording showcases Blakeslee's exceptional compositional voice and features an all-star ensemble of New York City's finest musicians.
A recipient of the 2018 David Baker Prize in Composition from the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, Blakeslee has built a reputation as one of today's most compelling writers for large ensembles. New Blood reflects years of dedication to the craft, combining sophisticated orchestration with memorable melodies, dynamic improvisation, and a modern perspective rooted in the jazz tradition. Recorded during an intensive three-day session, the album captures the energy of a band whose chemistry feels years in the making.
"I wanted to write music that was provocative but not overly difficult, complex but not complicated, create frameworks that allowed soloists to truly express themselves, and balance density and openness," Blakeslee says of his approach. That philosophy resonates throughout the album, where intricate arrangements never overshadow the expressive power of the ensemble.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Blakeslee relocated to New York City in 2017, an experience he describes as both humbling and transformative. Immersing himself in the city's world-class jazz scene sharpened his compositional voice while allowing him to discover where his own musical identity fit between tradition and innovation. Influenced by legendary trombonist and composer Bob Brookmeyer, Blakeslee found inspiration in large ensemble writing that emphasized warmth, daring creativity, and emotional depth.
His impressive résumé includes performances and collaborations with Remy Le Boeuf's Assembly of Shadows, Manuel Valera's New Cuban Express Big Band, the Terraza Big Band, Emilio Solla's Tango Jazz Orchestra, Sean Jones, Joe Lovano, Dick Oatts, Aretha Franklin, and many others. He also appeared on Architecture of Storms, the Grammy-nominated 2023 release by Remy Le Boeuf's Assembly of Shadows. Beyond the stage, Blakeslee serves on the faculty of the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music, where he directs the Jackie McLean Institute Big Band and teaches trombone.
The album's seven compositions each tell a personal story. The title track, "New Blood," celebrates the emergence of a new generation of creative voices on Northeast Ohio's vibrant jazz scene. "Franklin's Blues" pays tribute to both the blues tradition and Blakeslee's beloved cat, Franklin. "Another Day In Which To Excel," commissioned by the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers, honors his late grandfather's daily words of encouragement. "Slow Growth/New Growth" traces its origins to Blakeslee's award-winning work at the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, while "Escaping Shadows" reflects his determination to move beyond the influence of his mentors and discover his own unmistakable artistic voice.
At its core, New Blood is a testament to perseverance. From the group's beginnings performing in basement venues in Akron, Ohio, to recording alongside many of New York's most respected jazz musicians, the album documents a journey defined by passion, growth, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
Featuring standout performances from Charles Pillow, David Smith, Alex Norris, Pete McCann, Matt Pavolka, Erica Seguine, Jennifer Wharton, Martha Kato, Lee Fish, and many more, New Blood is both a showcase of extraordinary musicianship and a powerful statement from a composer entering his creative prime.
With New Blood, Sam Blakeslee delivers a modern big band album that honors jazz's rich legacy while confidently pointing the music toward its future.
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