Dino Plasmati is an Italian jazz guitarist, educator, composer and big band conductor. The son of avocalist/drumer, he began his experience with jazz at a very early age. At 9, he commenced the study of jazz guitar, forming his first band at age 15. Named Meridiana, the group enjoyed great success touring Italy and Europe, recording four CDs of Dino’s original compositions and
arrangements.

After earning his Diploma at the Conservatoire of Music in his hometown of Matera, he attended Berklee’s summer programs in Perugia with Jim Kelly and Donovan Mixon (1989) and took partin several master classes with various teachers, such as Pat Matheny (Ravenna 2003), PatMartino (Philadelphia 2014) and Larry Blank, the latter with whom he studied Composition andArrangement. In 1992 he was voted Best Young Jazz Talent at the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival in Monteroduni. A refined and versatile musician, Dino has performed in many different bands and orchestras, acquiring extensive experience and becoming one of the most accomplished guitarist son the Italian jazz scene.

He is the sole Artistic Director of the jazz association Mifajazz, founded in 2006, and developed thanks to the work of many musicians and supportive friends. Since 2009 they have annually
hosted the Mifajazz Big Band Festival, an international gathering of jazz orchestras and marching bands incluing the Lucanian Jazz Project (LJP) big band in which Dino plays the role of both conductor and guitarist.

Over the years, Dino has continued to release records, some of which feature international guest artists positively acclaimed by critics and listeners. He recorded 16 CDs of his own for the following labels: EmArcy/Universal, Alfa Music, Wide Sound, Preludio, C.M.C., Farelive and others, while appearing in 4 as sidema. His music has also been used for TV shows, documentaries and movies.

His latest work, Matera encounters (Alfa Music), with LJP Big Band features Bobby Watson as special guest soloist. Together, they have performed live in Southern Italy at many summer festivals.

He has played in New York (US), Great Britain, Wales, Ireland, Netherlands, China, Bulgaria, Argentina, Germany, Belarus, in many top- rated jazz clubs and in almost 50 Italian and international festivals.

During his career, Dino has played with Italian and international great musicians such as Bobby Watson, Chris Potter, Evan Parker, Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Steve Grossman, Jack Walrath, Michel Pilz, Bob Mover, Michael Rosen, Alfredo Paixão, Israel Varela, Robert Bonisolo, Brian Charette, Daniel Moreno, Brandon Lewis, Alan Korzin, Eric Finland, Jordan Rose, Howard Britz, Charlie Apicella, Paolo Fresu, Bruno Tommaso, Fabio Morgera, Emanuele Cisi, Joyce Yuille, Patrick Clahar, Pierre Favre, Tamia, Gianluigi Trovesi, Javier Girotto, Joy Garrison, Eileina Dennis, Martin Jacobsen, Massimo Manzi, Adam Rapa, Rosalia De Souza, Cheryl Porter, Nicola Stilo, Gabriele Mirabassi, Nico Gori, Paolo Tomelleri, Ettore Fioravanti, Gegè Telesforo, Eugenio Colombo, Bepi D'Amato, Achille Succi, Marco Sannini, Marco Micheli, Francesco Marini, Luciano Biondini, Roberto Cipelli, Attilio Zanchi, Max Ionata, Pino Minafra, Paolo Damiani, Francesco Nastro, Agostino Marangolo, Giovanni Maier, Beppe Caruso, Tino Tracanna, Marco Tamburini,
Roy Paci, Ada Rovatti, Roberto Ottaviano, Marcello Nisi, Marco Di Battista, Luca Pirozzi, Rosa Emilia Dias, John McCrae, Mimmo Campanale, Ana Flora, Claudia Marss, Gabriele Pesaresi, Elisabetta Antonini, Gianluca Renzi, Ada Rovatti, Gaetano Partipilo, Frankie Novak, Gianni Lenoci, Chicago High Spirit, Orchestra Utopia, Belcanto Project, Lucanian Big Band, Meridiana Group, Jazz Studio Orchestra, The Bumps, Pastor Ron Hubbard & Gospel Show and many others. Plasmati is a full time and avid guitar teacher at secondary school as well as a part- time teacher at Conservatory. Additionally, he authored a book on Egidio R. Duni-Duny, an Italian musician and composer born in Matera who was active in Italy , France and London and played a key role in the
development of the Comédie mêlée d'ariettes in the 18th century. He’s actually working with the following projects: THE HAMMOND TRIO; DINO PLASMATI HAMMOND TRIO feat. MICHAEL ROSEN; OPEN QUARTET; LJP BIG BAND (as guitarist and conductor) and the FUNKOLLECTIVE.

His first Eastman was an AR880CE John Pisano signature; it remains his favorite guitar to this day. He also owns and plays AR810CE, ER4, ER2, AR380CE, AR405CE, AR371CE. A huge fan of Eastman guitars, he adores their captivating designs, quality materials (pick ups, tailpieces & premium woods)and clean finishes, characteristics which, combined, assure an enhanced quality of sound. Finally, the smooth necks make playing easier and more comfortable.