Samson Schmitt, the 'Young Lion' of so-called Gyspy Jazz

Gig Alert: The Young Lions of Gypsy Jazz

By
Marlon Bishop
Music Hub | Jun 29, 2011

The Young Lions of Gypsy Jazz
“Honeysuckle Rose”
Playing Wednesday at Birdland (315 W. 44th St., Hell's Kitchen)
Get: Tickets ($30) | Directions

Django Reinhardt may be the household name associated with the guitar and violin-based French jazz sound often (for better or for worse) known as "gypsy jazz,” but it’s the Schmitt guitar dynasty that’s really been keeping the sound alive.

Like Reinhardt, Dorado Schmitt is from a French Roma family, and his chops on acoustic jazz guitar rival those of the master himself. Now that Dorado is getting on in age, his son Samson Scmitt has taken up the mantle, and is headlining the week-long Django Reinhardt Festival this year at Birdland. He’ll be joined by a cast of instrumental virtuosi that includes accordionist Ludovic Beier and violinist Pierre Blanchard. This hot jazz take of “Honeysuckle Rose” features both Scmitt and Beier, and is sure to transport you to the French silent film of your imagination.

Check out the video below, featuring Samson Scmitt as a young lad, for tips on how to transform your child into a mini Django Reinhardt .

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Marlon Bishop

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