Dino Plasmati

Italian jazz guitarist, educator, composer and big band conductor. Grew up in Matera, Italy. Father was a vocalist and drummer. Started learning jazz guitar at age 9 and by 15 formed Meridiana Group. Studied under Pat Metheny, Pat Martino and Larry Blank. Voted Best Young Jazz Talent at the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival in Monteroduni (1992). Founded Mifazazz (2006). As their artistic director, he has been the organizer since 2009 of the annual Mifajazz Big Band Festival, an international gathering of jazz talent. He is also conductor/guitarist of the Lucanian Jazz Project (LJP). Authored a book on Egidio R. Duni-Duny, another Matera born musician and composer who born in Matera who played a key role in developing Comédie mêlée d'ariettes in the 18th century.