Isaac Smith’s Youthful Big Band Displays Potential at Catalina

The surprising growth in big jazz band activity continued this week with the appearance of Isaac Smith’s large ensemble at Catalina Bar & Grill. Filled with some of the Southland’s most talented young players, the group joined other new ensembles--the Jazz Spot Orchestra and the Luckman Jazz Orchestra among them--beginning to surface around L.A.

The Smith band’s performance reflected some of the problems inherent in such undertakings--inadequate rehearsal time, a short supply of arrangements and the difficulty in maintaining stable personnel. But the enthusiasm and energy of the playing morethan compensated for the occasional missed note or errant passage.

Smith, a trombonist who is establishing himself as one of the more imaginative performers on his instrument, while still at the relatively youthful age of 23, played with his characteristic verve. His always adventurous soloing often took a similar arc, starting with warm-toned long phrases before building to rapid-fire notes scattershot across the entire register of his horn.

Other youthful soloists--especially alto saxophonist Zane Musa and trumpeter Justin Ray--were equally compelling. And the presence of veteran Carl Saunders, in the trumpet section as well as via his soloing, added a touch of mature musical stability to the proceedings.

Although there was a clear shortage of arrangements, Smith’s pieces--especially “The Prayer” and “Deviants”--displayed yet another aspect of his skills. Like the work of his mentor, John Clayton, they were well crafted, filled with intriguing harmonic coloration and visceral rhythms. More such material will help to transform the Smith aggregation into a solid musical entity.

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The Isaac Smith Large Ensemble performs at the Jazz Spot, 2138 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, on April 8. 5 p.m to 7:30 p.m. $5 cover. (323) 666-8666.