There have been numerous interpretations of classical music by jazz musicians, but trombonist
Samuel Blaser opted to explore less common ground by arranging music by Renaissance and Baroque composers, assisted by drummer
Paul Motian, pianist
Russ Lossing, and bassist
Thomas Moran. Most of his focus is on the works of
Claudio Monteverdi, starting with a loping, shimmering setting of Lamento della Nifa that features
Motian providing a constant background for the leader's poignant trombone, with
Lossing and
Moran darting in and out of the picture at times. Riotornello is a free-spirited, loose interpretation, while
Blaser utilizes the vocal/trombone technique popularized by
Tricky Sam Nanton in
Duke Ellington's band in Si Dolce e I'Tormento in a powerful duet with
Motian, though his sound is closer to what a modernist like
Steve Turre uses. Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria -Atto Quatro, Scene II is transformed into a tense, somewhat abstract arrangement that could easily be used as a film soundtrack. Also valuable are his unique perspectives in approaching the music of
Biago Marini and
Girolamo Frescobaldi. This provocative CD should entice other jazz musicians to look for hidden gems in the vast world of classical music.