The jazz band consists of trumpeter Wayne Travillion, clarinetist Jim Buchmann, trombonist Garry Powell, bassist David Duthie, pianist John Bennett, and banjo player John McKinley. Smith is the band’s drummer and vocalist, and his performance record includes Los Angeles hot spots like the Coconut Grove as well as being the drummer for performers such as Barry White.
“Dixieland music is an off-shoot of New Orleans jazz, it came up the river with Louis Armstrong,” said the 75-year-old musician. The style evolved over the years as it branched out to the big cities, while other groups stuck to the traditional jazz played during the early 19th century. Dixieland jazz usually consists of pre-1920s songs made contemporary with modern arrangements. “We find that older people connect with that kind of music, they enjoy the familiar tempos and rhythms.”
Buchmann, who also lives in the Vancouver, is the band’s newest musician, joining by the way of the Titan Hot Seven Jazz Band, a traditional jazz band. “The Titan Hot Seven is one of our favorite bands,” Smith said. He and his wife, Ruthie Westlund, became personal friends with the band. Smith hopes Buchmann will become a regular All-Star.
“Naturally, you gravitate to certain bands that play your type of music,” Smith said. “Every band has a personality; some are comedic and fun, while some just have none.” It’s the bands with personality that attract the fans, fun and celebration, explained Smith. “It’s a tough business. It’s something that you do because you love it, not for the money.”
