Signal to Noise
Fall 2008 Fall 2008
Jay Collins

DuBois is also present (though more subdued) on 7th Heaven, another vibrant quartet outing that serves as the leadership debut for 26-yearold trombonist Samuel Blaser. Like Banshees, the disc combines swirling front-line interaction and an inspired rhythm-section pairing (Morgan again, plus drummer Gerald Cleaver). Blaser is a confident soloist, decorating straight-up, puckish lines with vibrant extended techniques that suggest Albert Mangelsdorff, Joe Fielder and Sam Nanton. The straightforward march "Sans Titre" has a sprightly youthfulness that suggests the joy of musicmaking, while "La Vache" and the bluesy "Au 7eme Ciel" finds Blaser making judicious use of multiphonics and "175th Street" showcases his potent plunger work.The heart of the record, though, is the three-part "Metamorphose" suite. Part 1 begins with a rubato DuBois opening and some jagged swing, before moving to the airy haze of part 2, "Entre-Deux." On the restless third part, "Metaphore," the quartet is at its most joyful and energetic; DuBois solo here is magnificent. It is the capstone of a forceful debut for the young trombonist.