WISTFUL THINKING

What is Wistful Thinking

On March 22nd, 2024 Sam Blakeslee and Wistful Thinking released LIVE AT RADIO ARTIFACT, the third record with this ensemble on Cincinnati-based record label Radio Artifact. This digital release features 6 new and unreleased compositions as well as Wistful Thinking ensemble members Chris Coles, Brandon Coleman, Matt Wiles, and Lee Fish. After a contemplative and sparse debut with The Long Middle (2021), and a foray into fusion and electronic music for Busy Body (2022), Live At Radio Artifact features the band stretching out in this live setting at the conclusion of a 12-day tour, an ideal situation for the music!

Sam Blakeslee's genre-spanning project, Busy Body from Wistful Thinking features Chris Coles (alto saxophone), Brandon Coleman (guitar), and Matt Wiles (bass), as well as master percussionist Jamey Haddad, woodwind/composer phenom Brian Krock, and Grammy-nominated drummer/composer Dan Pugach. The album features and immersive journey through fusion, electronica, and was recorded remotely in the summer and fall of 2020.

Busy Body was released October 28th, 2022 on Outside In Music, and the title track, Busy Body was released on all streaming platforms on September 23rd, 2022.

In July 2021, Sam Blakeslee & Wistful Thinking also released Sam Blakeslee & Wistful Thinking – The Long Middle on Outside In Music, featuring Chris Coles (alto saxophone), Brandon Coleman (guitar), and Matt Wiles (bass). 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.

“Wistful Thinking doesn't, in other words, split into rhythm players and soloists. Instead, all four are integrally involved at sustaining flow whilst also weaving into the playing moments of individual expression.” - Ron Schepper, Textura