[New Taipei City, Taiwan] — [July 10, 2026] — XO Brass congratulates artist Samuel Blaser on placing fifth in the Trombonist of the Year category of DownBeat magazine's 74th Annual Critics Poll, with 109 points from the magazine's panel of critics. The results appear in DownBeat's August 2026 issue.
Blaser's placement puts him among a small group at the top of the category, following Michael Dease (158), Jacob Garchik (157), Ryan Keberle (144), and Steve Davis (125), and ahead of established names including Robin Eubanks, Steve Turre, Trombone Shorty, and George Lewis. The DownBeat Critics Poll is one of the longest-running honors in jazz, with critics from around the world casting ballots across dozens of instrument and performance categories each year.
This latest honor extends a relationship between Blaser and DownBeat that goes back several years. He placed second in the magazine's Rising Star–Trombone category in 2019 and won the same category outright in 2021, the same year he received the Prix du Musicien Européen from the Académie du Jazz in Paris.
Samuel Blaser: “It’s a privilege to be recognized among musicians I’ve long admired.”
Blaser performs on an XO1236RLO tenor trombone.
“Samuel's recognition reflects the artistry he brings to every performance, and we're proud that XO Brass is part of his sound.” Said Casy Lee, XO Global Marketing Manager.
Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Blaser spent 16 years based in New York and Berlin before returning to his hometown. Over his career he has performed and recorded with Pierre Favre, Marc Ducret, Daniel Humair, Oliver Lake, John Hollenbeck, and the late Paul Motian, in addition to leading his own ensembles.
We are also look forward to Blaser's next release, Rosina, out October 16, 2026 on his own label, Blaser Music. Recorded with his longtime quartet — pianist Russ Lossing, bassist Masa Kamaguchi, and drummer Billy Mintz — the album is inspired by his Italian grandmother and his family's roots in Emilia-Romagna.
About XO Brass XO Brass is a leading manufacturer of professional brass instruments — trumpets, French horns, trombones, and low brass — offering all players limitless possibilities for the highest level of artistic expression. Founded in 1995 by instrument designer Koichi Haido, XO Brass remains committed to craftsmanship and playability, continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible in brass instrument design.
Contact Information
K.H.S. Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.
wind@khsmusic.com
www.xobrass.com
