Lachlan Smith

Biography

Lachlan Smith is a Melbourne-based trombonist known for his expressive improvisation, lyrical phrasing, and a sound that bridges the jazz spirit with salsa’s rhythmic fire. For over seven years, he has worked professionally in both the jazz and salsa scenes, earning a reputation for authenticity, versatility, and musical depth.

He has shared the stage with Australian greats such as Vince Jones, Mat Jodrell, Jordan Murray, Carl Mackey, Tony Gould, and Linda Oh, as well as heavyweights Ambrose Akinmusire and Itai Kriss (USA). As a key figure in the Melbourne Salsa scene, he has played for international icons such as Willy Garcia, Maelo Ruiz, Luisito Carrion, Jimmy Saa and Porfi Baloa y sus Adolescentes during their Australia tours, and has also performed with Iranian Pop-Star Shadmehr Aghili.

A regular performer at prestigious venues such as The Paris Cat and The Night Cat, he leads the trombone section in salsa ensemble Tumbao Social and features in the Cuban timba powerhouse Sazon. As band leader, he has just released his debut album entitled Papa, full of striking improvisations, creative melodies and a bold, dynamic sound in a stripped back chord-less trio format. The project exhibits the years spent developing his sound and is the first time he has channeled it into a focused work, alongside two fantastic collaborators.