Spring Rain [CD]

Swiss trombonist Samuel Blaser makes his Whirlwind debut with his album 'Spring Rain', a tribute to US clarinettist and composer Jimmy Giuffre. He is joined by his trusted quartet of pianist Russ Lossing, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Gerald Cleaver.

On 'Spring Rain' Blaser takes the output of Jimmy Giuffre (1921-2008) to inspire new compositions and interpretations, which bristle with spontaneity and invention. Possessing a lyrical tone as well as a mastery of multiphonics (often achieving extraordinary, gritty results), Blaser duels with the myriad keyboard colours of Lossing (including Wurlitzer, Fender Rhodes and Minimoog), driven by intuitive, intelligent bass and drums.

The diversity of the album is exemplified by the unpredictable, increasing tumult of "Missing Mark Suetterlyn", the breezy almost Ellingtonian swing of "Temporarily", the dark Bartokian spaciality of "Umbra" and then riotous, improv-fusion-spirited "The First Snow".

Personnel: Samuel Blaser (trombone), Russ Lossing (piano, Fender rhodes, wurlitzer, minimoog), Drew Gress (double bass), Gerald Cleaver (drums)