Last night I had the extreme pleasure of seeing the Dorado Schmitt all stars at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center here in beautiful Santa Cruz, California. (www.kuumbwajazz.org). Dorado played both guitar and violin, his son Samson Schmitt played rythym guitar, Pierre Blanchard was on violin (he came to the stage after Dorado played two tunes on violin. When Blanchard joined the band, Dorado played his Anastasio D hole guitar with a vintage Stimer pickup (ST-51) for the rest of the show), Brian Torff was on bass and Marcel Loeffler was on accordion.
Dorado is a master of jazz guitar and his playing shows it. His lines are tasteful, he makes all of the changes and his solos are well constructed. No fingers noodling around the fingerboard here! Dorado builds excitement in his solo and uses guitaristic devices like chromatic runs and tremelo rolls to build tension. His interpretation of La Gitane (during the encore) is the best I have heard. All who aspire to play Gypsy jazz guitar should study the work of this master.
Samson Schmitt is a virtuoso guitarist who has learned well from his dad. His rythym was flawless and varied. He took one solo on his dad's composition Bossa Dorado (played in the original key of E minor) that would impress any 17 year old male who idolizes guitar shredders.
Brian Torff, a fine bassist who performed with Stephane Grapelli was in fine form and did a wonderfull solo bass interpretation of "Saint Louis Blues"
Pierre Blanchard, a French violinist who has recorded with Dorado showed his prowess in an extended intro to "When Smoke gets in your eyes".
Marcel Loefller is one of the worlds grest accordianists. His solo version of Bill Evan's "Waltz for Debby" proved that you can play bebop on an accordian. His solos were thoughtful and modern.
This show was part of a tour celebrating Django's 100th. Django would approve. It was an evening of inspired jazz. Merci Beaucoup Dorado!
Tour Information:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199611509622&ref=mf
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