THE LONG MIDDLE IS OUT NOW ON OUTSIDE IN MUSIC!
I’m thrilled to announce the July 30th release of my newest album, The Long Middle with my electro-acoustic chamber group, Wistful Thinking on NYC Jazz Record Label Outside In Music. The album was released on all streaming platforms and is also available as a physical copy CD. The Long Middle features an introspective journey of pastoral melodies and compositions in an intimate chamber-jazz setting, akin to the various small bands of Kenny Wheeler and Bob Brookmeyer. The music draws emotions and sentiments from globally heightened feelings of distance, both geographically and socially.
We were initially supposed to tour and record the album in March 2020, but everything was cancelled because of the global pandemic. It is a unique catharsis to finally be able to share this music that is very near and dear to my heart with all of you. The album features frequent collaborators and longtime friends Chris Coles on alto saxophone/effects pedals, Brandon Coleman on guitar, and Matt Wiles on acoustic bass. Since the project began in September 2019, it has been an absolute joy to write original music for these remarkable individuals, and they couldn’t have done the music more justice. There are so many moments on the album where the deep level of trust and camaraderie in the ensemble are on full display , and I believe the friendship within the band created an extra dimension to the music.
You can save the album on your preferred streaming service, as well as order a physical copy through the link below:
The Long Middle Streaming/Order Links
I’m also very excited to perform in the following cities for The Long Middle CD Release Tour.We will be performing music off of the album as well as a few new compositions I have written since we recorded. It will be so much fun to make so much music with these great musicians! Please check out my events page for more details and ticket information!
8/3 NYC @ Scholes Street Studio
8/5 CINCINNATI, OH @ Caffe Vivace
8/6 AKRON, OH @ AV Club
8/7 CLEVELAND, OH @ The Bop Stop
Featuring:
Sam Blakeslee - trombone/compositions
Chris Coles - alto saxohpone/effects pedals
Brian Krock - alto saxophone/woowwinds (8/3)
Brandon Coleman - guitar
Pete McCann - guitar (8/3)
Matt Wiles - acoustic bass
I’m also grateful for the acclaim it has gotten so far from JazzTrail, Musical Memoirs, and it was featured on JazzIz Magazine’s New Release Cheat Sheet. In addition to record label Outside In Music, I have been so grateful to work with the amazing Lydia Liebman Promotions, both of whom have been seminal in shaping the release and helping get the word out!
Read some excerpts of what people are saying about it below:
“Most of the gentle subtleties found in The Long Middle stemmed from the sense of social and physical isolation that affected the world last year. The title track, the last piece composed for this record, transpires relaxation in the radiant melody, emulating the slow passage of time during the pandemic. The clear feelings conveyed here oppose to the ambiguity offered with the atmospheric “Bygones Are Bygones” and the folk-drenched “Shady Grove”, an Appalachian song transfigured by a strange enchantment and exposing an enjoyable balance between light and dark tonalities…Using his competence to envelop us in his impressionistic sound cloud, Blakeslee is a name to keep in mind. The Long Middle represents another stop on the road to soaring post-bop.”
Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail
“Here is an album with arrangements that are both unexpected and unique. Sam Blakeslee’s compositions are well written and melodic. Each member of “Wistful Thinking” brings their best to the party and with Sam Blakeslee’s trombone leading the way, enjoy a bright, relaxing and beautiful celebration.”
Dee Dee McNeil - Musical Memoirs
"In a year fraught with anxiety and isolation, there are some musicians who have found powerful opportunities for musical and spiritual growth. As evidenced by his stunning new release, Sam Blakeslee is clearly one of them. This new body of work reflects a trombonist who thinks and plays like a composer, patiently waiting for each new idea to be heard before delivering and developing. As I listened to this album, I remembered something that Bob Brookmeyer used to say, "The line is everything." I can promise that if you follow the line that permeates Sam's new album, you will be richly rewarded with a story both unique and beautiful, and most importantly, honest."
Alan Ferber, Grammy-nominated Trombonist/Composer
Thank you to everyone who has listened to and shown their support for The Long Middle & Wistful Thinking so far! This project gave me a great deal of purpose over the last year and a half and I’m so glad to share this collection of recordings with you. Happy Listening!
