Mathuin Smith Jazz Orchestra

The Mathuin Smith Jazz Orchestra (MSJO) is an 16-piece ensemble whose repertoire includes music from a vast range of genres. While MSJO uses the traditional Basie/Ellington instrumentation of 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxophones, and a rhythm section, the band honors the big band swing tradition and also branches out to funk, rock, video game music, modern large ensemble art music, original works, and much more. MSJO is devoted to bringing listeners on an exciting journey filled with tasty grooves, high-caliber solos, and the amazing big band energy that we know and love.

Mathuin Smith is a 20-year old saxophonist, oboist, composer, and bandleader based in the Washington, DC area. He began study of the oboe at age 10, and at age 14, he picked up the saxophone and began to explore the worlds of jazz, rock, fusion, and beyond. Since then, he has gone on to become a regularly working woodwindist in Washington, D.C.’s vibrant live music scene, and maintains a very active performance schedule in addition to his studies. Mathuin is the founder and bandleader of the Mathuin Smith Jazz Orchestra, in which he conducts and plays the saxophone and EWI (electronic wind instrument).

Personnel:

• Mathuin Smith – bandleader, saxophone, EWI (electronic wind instrument)

Saxophones:

• Jordan Bell
• Nathan Hott
• Zachary Levin
• Erl Fantilaga
• Benjamin Trimboli

Trumpets:

• Owen Brown
• Jonathan Orellana
• Brannon Wiltshire
• Davis Smith

Trombones:

• Danny Dupes
• Liam Barron

Rhythm:

• Jose Andre – piano
• Ami Falk – bass
• Tyler Pons – drums