Luca Spiler joins the Rath Pack

Rath Trombones has welcomed the addition of Australian musician, Luca Spiler, to its flourishing roster of Artists.

Now based in Paris, France, Luca is a sought-after performer on the jazz and contemporary music scene, known for his versatility and rich musicality, performing across jazz, pop, and orchestral settings.

In 2024, Luca performed as bass trombonist for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, recording with the big band for the event’s official soundtrack, and appearing live with Lady Gaga in a special performance of “Mon Truc en Plume.”

Commenting on his new role as a Rath Artist, Luca said: “I first played a Rath trombone in Australia 15 years ago and have avidly followed the company ever since, admiring its unwavering dedication to making the highest quality custom trombones on the market.

“Living in Paris now, I finally had the opportunity to visit the Rath workshop and get to know Mick Rath, Nicola and the team. Their incredible welcome and hospitality have only confirmed to me that this is the right home for me.

“From the attention to every minute detail and finish on my trombone, to the three hours that Tim Sidwell spent giving me precise and quality feedback on my playing to help me identify the best custom setup for my needs, I feel incredibly proud to be able represent Rath Trombones as one of their Artists, and look forward to contributing in some small way to the future of the company.”

Luca began his career in Adelaide, South Australia, as a founding member of the Mike Stewart Big Band. During that time, he performed with artists such as Bob Mintzer, George Garzone, Chuck Findley, Jim Pugh, Leroy Jones, and James Morrison.

After moving to Paris in 2013, Luca completed a Master’s in Jazz and Improvised Music from the Conservatoire National (CNSMDP).

He has since worked with many of Europe’s leading ensembles, including the Orchestre National de Jazz and the famous Metropole Orkest, as well as numerous Paris-based big bands. His broad musical background has also led to performance opportunities with international pop artists like Ben l’Oncle Soul, Véronique Sanson, The Temptations, The Four Tops, MC Solaar, and Lady Gaga.

Luca is also active in the Paris musical theatre scene, performing in long-running shows at Disneyland Paris, in the 2024 production of Dirty Dancing at the Dôme de Paris, and currently at the famous Lido de Paris in its new stage adaptation of Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, scheduled to run through 2026.

Alongside performing, Luca teaches jazz theory and ear training at the International Music Educators of Paris (IMEP).

Luca added: “The most impressive quality of my Rath R3F is its ‘all-terrain’ ability, and was the most critical factor I was looking to achieve with my new horn. The flexibility it provides with the help of my interchangeable lead pipes allows me to switch seamlessly between all styles of playing, be it small group jazz, big band and pit and studio orchestra work all the while maintaining my own sound and tone quality. 

“I am also loving how free blowing the trombone is through all registers. The Hagmann valve really helps open up in the lower range and transition beautifully into the upper without the resistance that I have experienced in many other trombones when moving through the high register. It is a real joy to play and once again speaks to the all-round nature of this instrument which suits me perfectly as a freelance trombonist covering many different styles of playing.”

Aside from the playing aspect, the brushed laquer finish and extra original touches to my horn really add that ‘wow’ factor and makes my trombone a one of one, which is a very special feeling. I must also add that the practicality of the screw bell is a game changer for me and allows me to travel worry free all around the world with my compact case.”

Rath Artist Luca Spiler plays a Rath Custom R3F trombone with an eight-inch nickel silver screw bell flare; nickel silver main tuning slide; brushed #3 bell and tuning slide; Hagmann valve; nickel silver hand slide; 31A and 31BL leadpipes.