The Stash Dauber
October 10th 2009

More minimalist in intent is Pieces of Old Sky by the Samuel Blaser Quartet, a New York-based crew led by a Swiss trombonist. Blaser's an expressive instrumentalist who's absorbed the influence of players like Albert Mangelsdorf (dig his growls and use of multiphonics on "Mandala") but really shines as a composer; his writing is as interestingly knotty and impressionistic as Andrew Hill's, displaying the influence of modern classical composers. His best compositions -- the 17-minute title track, for instance, or the aforementioned "Mandala" -- unfold slowly but deliberately, giving the players ample opportunity to interact within their structures. His accomplices here include Todd Neufeld, an Abercrombie-esque guitarist with a warm, fuzzy, and occasionally dissonant sound, and drummer Tyshawn Sorey, who's probably best known for his work with pianist Vijay Iyer. Sorey's drumming is reminiscent of early Tony Williams, when the teenage Bostonian was was still playing like a composer and hadn't yet succumbed to being a mere virtuoso; just listen to the way Sorey shadows the leader's line on "Mystical Circle."