Schmitto Kling

Schmitto Kling, born in Bad Mergentheim in 1946, was a legendary violinist who made his mark in the Hot Club genre of jazz music. He was a prolific performer and recording artist, whose virtuosic playing and expressive phrasing left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. Despite his untimely death in 2018, his music lives on, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.

Schmitto Kling was born in Bad Mergentheim, a small town in southwestern Germany. He began playing the violin at an early age, studying classical music and developing a love for the instrument. As a young man, he discovered jazz music and was particularly drawn to the Hot Club style popularized by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

In the early 1970s, Kling joined the Hot Club the Zigan, a group of musicians dedicated to keeping the Hot Club tradition alive. The Zigan played regularly at clubs and festivals throughout Germany, building a loyal following and earning critical acclaim for their virtuosic performances. Kling’s playing was a highlight of the group, with his fluid bowing and improvisational skill setting him apart from other violinists of his time.

Midsummer Festival in Minnesota

In 1986, Schmitto Kling and the Hot Club the Zigan were invited to perform at the Midsummer Festival in Minnesota, USA. The festival was a celebration of Scandinavian and European culture, and the Zigan’s Hot Club style was a perfect fit for the event. Kling’s playing was particularly well received by the audience, who were struck by his virtuosity and the emotional depth of his playing.

Schnuckenack-Reinhardt Quintet

Later in his career, Kling became a member of the Schnuckenack-Reinhardt quintet, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting the music of Django Reinhardt and his contemporaries. The quintet performed extensively throughout Europe, and Kling’s contributions were a key part of their success. His playing on the violin was often compared to the great Stéphane Grappelli, with his ability to improvise and create melodic lines that were both complex and beautiful.

Legacy

Schmitto Kling passed away in Haßloch, Germany, in 2018. However, his legacy as a violinist and musician lives on. He left behind a rich catalog of recordings, including several with the Hot Club the Zigan and the Schnuckenack-Reinhardt quintet, as well as numerous solo recordings. His playing was a testament to the power and beauty of jazz music, and his dedication to the Hot Club tradition helped to keep the genre alive for future generations.

Schmitto Kling was a masterful violinist who made a lasting impact on the world of jazz music. His virtuosic playing and emotional depth continue to inspire and captivate listeners, and his contributions to the Hot Club genre will always be remembered. While he may be gone, his music lives on, a testament to the enduring power of great art.

Schmitto Kling’s legacy in the jazz world also includes his collaboration with renowned jazz guitarist Bireli Lagrene. The two musicians first met in the early 1990s, and soon began performing and recording together. Their partnership resulted in several critically acclaimed albums, including “Bireli Lagrene & Schmitto Kling Live” and “Duet”.

From 1984 he presented his own recordings. With Meggi Patay (solo guitar), Guggeli Wagner (rhythm guitar), Banschi Lehmann (double bass) and Holzmanno Winterstein (rhythm guitar and piano) he formed the Hot Club the Zigan and subsequently recorded three albums. In the years that followed, the cast around him changed several times. Today Helmut Weis (piano), Forello Reinhardt (guitar), Jani Lehmann (double bass) and Mirano Kling (guitar) are represented in his ensemble. Weis, Lehmann and Reinhardt also played in the late Schnuckenack-Reinhardt quintet.

Awards
In 1991 he was made an honorary citizen of Minnesota by Governor Rudy Perpich .

Discography (selection)
1978: Hannes Beckmann , Nipso Brantner , Schmitto Kling, Zipflo Reinhardt The Gipsy Jazz Violin Summit ( MPS , with Otto Weiß, Gary Todd , Charly Antolini )
1979: Bireli Lagrene – Routes to Django (jazz point)
1984: Hot Club the Zigan – Alone Together (Aurophon)
1982: Hot Club the Zigan – Adagio (Aurophon)
1991: Hot Club the Zigan – Witchcraft (Aurophon)
1997: Gerhard Rosenfeld – Requiem for Kaza Katharina (Thorofon)
2009: Hot Club de Zigan – Sunrise Sunset