On this evening, the night after the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, the French band Dorado Schmitt and the Django Festival All-Stars appeared at Regattabar. They began the show with a moment of silence for the victims and also had a candle of remembrance burning on stage.

Candle of Remembrance

Dedicated to the gypsy jazz stylings of Django Reinhardt, Dorado bears a resemblance to Django (could it be what looks to be a false mustache that does it?).

Dorado Schmitt

The members of the band at this show were Dorado’s son Amati Schmitt on guitar, Ludovic Beier on accordion, Pierre Blanchard on violin, Xavier Nikq on bass, and Doudou Cuillerier on guitar and vocals.

Amati Schmitt

Ludovic Beier

Pierre Blanchard

Xavier Nikq

Doudou Cuillerier

Although I am a huge fan of gypsy jazz, I did not know Dorado prior to this show. Not only is he a good guitarist, but he has assembled a band that is true to Django’s music and they perform it well.

Amati Schmitt and Dorado Schmitt

Each member of the band had at least one solo during the show. I particularly enjoyed Ludovic’s accordion and Xavier’s slapping the bass.

Ludovic Beier

Xavier Nikq (slapping the bass)

I did enjoy everyone’s playing. The accordion amazes me generally; it’s heavy and looks so difficult to play between the keyboard on one side, the buttons on the other side, and the bellows. A lot to consider for Ludovic!

Ludovic Beier

Despite the somewhat somber mood, the band played beautifully. At the end of the show, I know I had tears in my eyes because of the relevance of the band playing in the United States while cultural events were canceled in Paris (and maybe all of France) for three days. Stay safe, gentlemen.

Thanks to Regattabar for the ticket; all opinions are my own.