Tchavolo Schmitt was born on February 1st, 1954, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France. He was born into a family of Manouche (French Roma) musicians, and his father, Dorado Schmitt, was a renowned guitarist in the Gypsy Jazz scene. Tchavolo Schmitt grew up surrounded by music, and his father was his first teacher.
Schmitt started playing the guitar at a young age and quickly showed his talent. He learned to play by ear, as most Manouche musicians do, and his playing style was heavily influenced by his father and the music of Django Reinhardt. Schmitt’s unique style of playing is characterized by his fast and precise fingerpicking, his use of open strings, and his melodic improvisations.
Tchavolo Schmitt’s career in music started at a young age. He began performing with his father and other Manouche musicians in Parisian bars and cafes. As he grew older, Schmitt started playing with other famous musicians in the Gypsy Jazz scene, such as Stochelo Rosenberg and Bireli Lagrene.
In 1980, Schmitt recorded his first album, “Alors… Voila!”, which was well-received by critics and established him as a rising star in the Gypsy Jazz scene. He went on to record several more albums, including “Gypsy Guitars,” “Mirage,” and “French Ballads,” all of which showcased his unique playing style and musical talent.
Schmitt has also collaborated with many famous musicians outside of the Gypsy Jazz scene. He has recorded with jazz pianist Michel Petrucciani, blues guitarist Larry Coryell, and singer-songwriter Thomas Fersen, among others. Schmitt’s collaborations have expanded his musical horizons and exposed him to new styles and genres.
As previously mentioned, Tchavolo Schmitt was born into a family of Manouche musicians. His father was a famous Gypsy Jazz guitarist, and his mother, Maria, was a singer. Schmitt’s brothers, Samson and Amati, are also musicians and have collaborated with Tchavolo on several albums. He is cousin with Dorado Schmitt.
Schmitt’s son, Rocky Gresset, is also a guitarist and has followed in his father’s footsteps. Rocky is a talented musician in his own right and has recorded several albums with his father and other musicians.
Tchavolo Schmitt has played in several groups throughout his career. He has collaborated with many famous musicians, both in the Gypsy Jazz scene and outside of it.
One of Schmitt’s most famous groups is Les Enfants de Django, which translates to “Django’s Children.” The group was formed in the early 1990s and included several famous Gypsy Jazz musicians, such as Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, and Moreno Winterstein. Les Enfants de Django recorded several albums, including “Gypsy Guitars” and “Swing from Paris,” and performed at many festivals throughout Europe.
Schmitt has also played in other groups, such as the Dorado Schmitt Quintet And the Angelo Debarre Quartet. These groups have allowed Schmitt to showcase his musical talents and collaborate with other famous musicians in the Gypsy Jazz scene.
Tchavolo Schmitt has performed at many festivals throughout Europe and the United States. Some of the most famous festivals he has played at include the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France, the Festival Jazz a Vienne in Vienne, France, and the Festival de Jazz de Montreal in Montreal, Canada.
Schmitt’s performances are known for their high energy and intricate guitar playing. He often plays with other musicians in a group setting, and their improvisations create a unique and exciting musical experience for the audience.
