UCLA’s jazz studies program has at times been eclipsed by
its more prestigious neighbors, Cal Arts and USC. But just try
telling members of the Isaac Darche Trio that they represent a
lesser institution.
“In recent years, in part because of the outstanding
faculty here, UCLA has attracted some really exceptional
talent,” guitarist and bandleader Darche said.
His trio, which plays Thursday nights at Kerckhoff Coffeehouse,
is just one of the student ensembles reflecting this trend.
The group, which also features drummer Joe Petracek and bassist
Tom Altura, has been together for the past year, playing
adventurous interpretations of jazz standards and original tunes.
The three met as students in the jazz program, and while they all
play in other groups, they enjoy the flexibility and sense of
equality that only a trio format can deliver.
“As opposed to a distinct rhythm section with soloists,
(in a trio section) all three band members have an equal role in
the texture of the sound,” Darche said. “There is a
particular accent on the interplay between the members.”
With so much focus on each of the musicians, there is ample
opportunity for each to showcase his individual talent, which
Darche says is among the best at the school.
“Because of the nature of the guitar, which offers a much
more open and sparse sound than (the more traditional) piano, our
trio really plays to the strength of our bass player and allows him
to display his virtuoso abilities.”
But even with so much talent in the group, Darche’s trio
splits each show between playing as a trio and playing with other
guest musicians. This week they will be joined by fellow UCLA jazz
students Hitoma Oba on tenor sax and David Hart on trumpet.
While the addition of guest soloists forces them to push the
trio elements to the back and revert to a more traditional role as
a separate rhythm section, they enjoy the chance to play with their
friends and to give them more opportunities to showcase their
abilities in a live performance setting.
Ultimately, Darche wants to gain exposure and recognition for as
many musicians as possible in this increasingly prestigious
program.
“We feel that (these shows) would give a lot of people on
campus an opportunity to see some of the exceptional talent that is
here in the jazz studies program. It’s a program that’s
changing rather dramatically,” he said.
Hopefully students on campus will heed this call allowing groups
like Darche’s to continue to thrive.
The Isaac Darche Trio performs at the Kerckhoff Hall Coffeehouse
tonight at 7 p.m.