Helveticus, Daniel Humair, Samuel Blaser, Heiri Känzig

*2026 stock* This intergenerational jazz trio—drummer Daniel Humair (85), bassist Heiri Kanzig (66) and trombonist Samuel Blaser (42)—who meet as equals in a dialogue blending tradition and modernity, lyricism and humor. All three are respected bandleaders, composers, and sought-after sidemen. Their first album, 1291 (named after Switzerland’s Federal Charter), debuted in 2020; their follow-up, Our Way, builds on that concept with original compositions, jazz standards and Swiss folk-song arrangements from different regions.

Samuel Blaser—born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, shaped by Jacques Henri and influenced by J.J. Johnson, Albert Mangelsdorff and Glen Ferris—is both an uncompromising artist and approachable collaborator. He plays a custom trombone by Winfried Rapp and stresses daily practice and technical development (flexibility, tongue/lip coordination, arm technique). Blaser’s advanced techniques (double- and doodle-tonguing, Mangelsdorff-inspired voicings) serve expressive aims; his varied discography ranges from chamber-like duos with Marc Ducret to the groove-driven Routes (2023). In the sparse trio setting the trombone’s airy texture demands great presence but offers freedom, and Blaser praises Humair and Kanzig for grounding and inspiring him.

The trio’s increased performances have tightened their interplay, allowing greater spontaneity and a wider repertoire. The album material spans playful originals (Kanzig’s ostinato, “Root Beer Rag”), Monk classics suggested by Humair (“Jackie-Ing,” “Bemsha Swing”), a Tessin mazurka, the Rhaeto-Romanic “Chara Lingua della Mamm,” Ellington’s “Creole Love Call,” and “Tiger Rag.” Rather than merely playing these pieces, the trio reinterprets, alters, and sometimes deconstructs them, keeping the music fresh. Critics highlight Humair’s meditative mastery, Kanzig’s powerful bass, and Blaser’s colorful, moving trombone—together carrying listeners “on their flying carpet” into new musical territories.