Samson Schmitt

Samson Schmitt is a French jazz guitarist hailing from the family of Sinti musicians. He is a prominent figure in the contemporary gypsy jazz scene and has earned critical acclaim for his unique blend of traditional gypsy jazz and modern jazz elements. In this article, we will delve into his career, discography, and musical information.

Career:
Born in 1979 in Strasbourg, France, Samson Schmitt started playing guitar at a very young age. He was born into a family of Sinti musicians, and his father, Dorado Schmitt, is a renowned gypsy jazz guitarist. Samson Schmitt learned to play guitar in the Sinti style, which is characterized by virtuoso fingerpicking, fast arpeggios, and a strong emphasis on improvisation.

In 1999, Schmitt joined the group of his father, the Dorado Schmitt Quintet, which regularly performs at jazz festivals all over the world. He has also collaborated with other prominent musicians such as Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, and Tchavolo Schmitt. In addition to his live performances, Schmitt has released several albums as a bandleader, showcasing his unique style and virtuosic guitar playing.

Samson Schmitt has released several albums as a bandleader, including “Gypsy Guitar Masters,” “Django Festival 7,” “Origines,” and “Sonny Says.” He has also collaborated on albums with other musicians such as “Made in France” with Stochelo Rosenberg and “Family” with the Dorado Schmitt Quintet.

Samson Schmitt’s music is rooted in the Sinti tradition of gypsy jazz but incorporates modern jazz elements as well. He is known for his lightning-fast fingerpicking, dazzling arpeggios, and improvisational skills. Schmitt’s style is characterized by a strong rhythmic drive, intricate chord progressions, and melodic lines that are both virtuosic and emotionally expressive.

Samson Schmitt has performed at numerous jazz festivals all over the world, including the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival. He has also performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Blue Note in Tokyo.

Samson Schmitt is known for playing a Selmer-style guitar, which is a type of acoustic guitar that was popularized by the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. He has also been seen playing a Gibson ES-175, which is an electric guitar known for its warm tone and versatility.

Samson is a talented and versatile guitarist who has earned critical acclaim for his unique blend of gypsy jazz and modern jazz. His virtuosic fingerpicking, dazzling arpeggios, and improvisational skills have made him a sought-after musician in the contemporary jazz scene. With several albums under his belt and numerous live performances, Schmitt is sure to remain a prominent figure in the world of jazz for years to come.