Dorado Schmitt

Dorado Schmitt is a world-renowned French violinist and guitarrists who has established a reputation for his virtuosity and versatility in the jazz genre. Born on May 29, 1957, in Saint-Avold, Lorraine, France, Schmitt began playing guitar at the age of seven. He comes from a family of Romani musicians, and his father was also a guitarist.

At the age of seven, Schmitt began playing violin with his father as his teacher, and he quickly showed an exceptional talent for the instrument. By the age of twelve, he was playing professionally with his family band, Les Schmitts. He continued to hone his skills throughout his teenage years, and by the time he was in his early twenties, he had already established himself as one of the most talented and sought-after musicians in the Romani community.

In 1978, Schmitt founded the Dorado Trio with guitarist Gino Reinhardt and bassist Brian Torff. The trio quickly gained a following in Europe and the United States, and they began to attract attention from some of the biggest names in the jazz world. In 1983, Schmitt was invited to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, where he was introduced to legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt’s music. This meeting had a profound impact on Schmitt’s career, and he became increasingly interested in exploring the world of gypsy jazz.

Over the years, Schmitt has become one of the foremost interpreters of Django Reinhardt’s music, and he has performed with some of the biggest names in the jazz world, including Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, and Charlie Byrd. He has also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including bassist Stanley Clarke and pianist Kenny Barron.

Schmitt has recorded numerous albums throughout his career, both as a solo artist and as part of various ensembles. His 1993 album, Gypsy Reunion, features collaborations with a number of other Romani musicians, including Titi Winterstein and Angelo Debarre. He has also recorded several albums with the Dorado Schmitt Quintet, which features his son, Samson Schmitt, on guitar.

His cousin Tchavolo Schmitt is also a gypsy jazz guitarist, as are his sons Samson, Bronson, and Amati.

In 2023, Dorado is active and participating in different festivals and activities arround europe.

Discography

As leader

Hommage a La Romenes with Claudio Favari (Leico, 1983)

Notre Histoire with Claudio Favari (Blue Flame, 1986)

Rendez-Vous with Pierre Blanchard (Le Chant du Monde, 2004)

Dorado Sings (EMD, 2005)

Live at the Kennedy Center (SP, 2008)

Family (Dreyfus/Sony, 2009)

Live with Amati Schmitt (Stunt, 2014)

Sinti du Monde with Amati Schmitt (Stunt, 2016)

Clair de Lune (Stunt, 2018)

As sideman

Samson Schmitt, Djieske (EMD, 2002)

Tchavolo Schmitt, Live in Paris (Le Chant du Monde, 2010)