For most audiences, Matthew Elton Smith is known as a drummer, educator, and bandleader. What many don’t know is that his musical journey began on the trombone. Before earning a Master’s Degree in Jazz Drum Set from CalArts and building a career as a performer and educator throughout Southern California, Matthew earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and spent years studying the instrument that inspired this evening’s concert.

 

Funny Bones: A Trombone Summit is the realization of a simple idea, bringing together a remarkable group of trombonists whose paths have crossed through schools, bands, mentorship, recording sessions, and friendships over the last two decades. More than a showcase of individual talent, this concert is a celebration of the trombone community itself.

 

The summit features Joey Sellers, one of the most influential jazz educators and composers in the region. A recipient of the Gil Evans Fellowship, the Sammy Nestico Award, and numerous national commissions, Joey’s music has been performed by orchestras, jazz ensembles, and soloists throughout the world. As Director of Jazz Studies at Saddleback College, his mentorship has shaped generations of musicians, including several performers on tonight’s stage.

 

Joining him is Abdullah Ebrahim, whose journey through California State University Northridge and the renowned University of North Texas led to performances with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra. Combining classical precision with modern jazz improvisation, Abdullah represents a new generation of highly versatile trombonists.

 

Los Angeles native and brand new dad, Steven Robinson brings one of the most diverse resumes in the group. From touring internationally with John Fogerty and recording Grammy winning projects to performing daily at Disneyland with The Straw Hatters, Steven has built a career that bridges jazz, commercial music, education, and recording work. His warmth, versatility, and musicianship have made him a favorite collaborator throughout Southern California.

 

The evening also features Bob Lawrence, one of Southern California’s most sought-after trombonists, arrangers, and educators. A former student of Joey Sellers at Saddleback College, Bob has performed with artists ranging from Poncho Sanchez and Luis Enrique to the Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra. His powerful sound and deep roots in both jazz and Latin music have made him a respected voice throughout Los Angeles.

 

Rounding out the brass are bass trombonists Robert Todd and Rose Doylemason. Robert is a highly respected low-brass specialist whose work spans jazz bands, symphony orchestras, brass ensembles, video game music ensembles, and even polka bands. Rose brings an equally impressive range of experiences, performing with orchestras, brass quintets, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups throughout the country. Together they showcase the incredible versatility of the trombone family.

 

Supporting the summit is a rhythm section made up of some of Southern California’s most creative musicians. Pianist Sam Ross, a Long Beach based composer, DownBeat Award winner, and acclaimed performer, brings his modern approach and deep jazz vocabulary to the evening. Bassist Cole Sainburg contributes a unique musical perspective shaped by jazz, Armenian folk music, and traditional Japanese music, while also serving as a dedicated educator throughout the region. Behind the drums leading the night is Matthew Elton Smith, whose career as a performer, composer, recording artist, and educator has connected many of the musicians gathered for this event.

 

At its heart, Funny Bones is a celebration of mentorship, friendship, shared history, and the joy of making music together. The trombone has always possessed a uniquely human voice, capable of laughter, lyricism, power, and surprise. Tonight’s performance embraces all of those qualities, bringing together artists from different backgrounds and generations for an evening that honors both the tradition and the future of jazz.

 

Welcome to Funny Bones: A Trombone Summit.