Claudia Schmidt Vocals, Guitar, Dulcimer
Michigan native Claudia Schmidt has covered a lot of musical ground, beginning with a stirring rendition of "Tammy" at age 4 around a neighborhood bonfire. Then came years of choirs, a guitar, a dulcimer, and some theatre thrown into the pot.
Thirty-some years as a touring professional have found her traversing North America as well as Europe in venues ranging from intimate clubs to 4,000 seat theatres, and festival stages in front of 25,000 rapt listeners. She is familiar with the mediums of radio and TV, including regular stints on Public Radio International's "A Prairie Home Companion" in its early incarnation, and starring in an hour-long documentary called "I Sing Because I Can't Fly," produced by KTCA TV in St. Paul. She participated in the delightful Les Blank movie "Gap-Toothed Women," contributing a song as well as an interview. She wrote an award-winning score and performed in the Goodman Theatre's Chicago production of Brecht's "Good Person of Szechuan."
She has recorded eleven albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring here acclaimed12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer playing. Recently, she collaborated with the New Reformation Jazz Band on a dixieland gospel recording and a tribute to Gershwin and Ellington in celebration of their hundredth birthdays. Claudias latest release on Redhouse Records -- Wings of Wonder-- features many new songs with instrumental support by Dean Magraw and Peter Ostroushko. Her most recent work in the Jazz field I Thought About You, is her second leading her own swinging sextet - Claudia Schmidt & The JumpBoys. In 2004 she releases ROADS - A Spoken Word Collection. This 17 track CD features some of the poems and writings that have been most requested from her renown performances. In March of 2006 her first folk/acoustic relaase since 2003 - SPINNING - will hit the streets.
A musician who has always hated categories, she describes herself as a "creative noisemaker," which has irritated some critics but delighted many audiences, who learn to expect anything at a Schmidt concert, hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire, and the gamut of emotions. Her live performances are not to be missed. Her musicality is astonishing. Her joy and love of performing are contagious. She can weave the elements of music and stage into a program so unified and full of life that one critic has described a Claudia Schmidt concert as "....a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory, and you know you'll never be the same again."
I know it has been years but I can't help but think back to the old days when you used to play at the Old Time Cafe. It was usually around this time of year. Any chance you will be making it back to the San Diego area anytime soon???? I hope the holidays bring you peace and happiness. Tara
You know the people that say utopia isn't possible have already given up. Living sustainably in balance with our environment and food sources will bring us the freedom to live in harmony, and provide the opportunity for all to excel in their efforts, dreams and life path. Utopia is not only possible but it is the very essence that should guide our dreams and vision for ourselves and with each other. It is the horizon we should all strive for everyone and every nation. Anything short of that will lead us astray.
Hello Claudia,
Thank you for the great concert at the White Crow last week, I don't know where you get all that energy! My wife and I really enjoyed it.
Claudia, Thank you so much for sending me the Live Jazz disc! It's amazing- you, the band, everything about it! It was good to see you last weekend and I hope to see you in the capital city soon!
Hi Claudia:
I enjoyed my introduction to Grandpa Johnson last night. I listened to him again today while working in my shop. I like the flow and spirit of the Michigan thing. Patrick and Paul have done a great job as usual.
See you next time,
Les
Claudia... I can't believe I'm only the only one that sends you comments. Just wanted to let you know that I put a top 8 up with Great River Folk Festival performers. This year was a blast. Randy had everyone back up singing closing songs and they did a kind of weird People get Ready... no where close to the masterpiece of you and Gorka the year before.
Your concert with John Gorka at the Great River Folk Festival was one of the best that my wife and I had seen in years. We loved the way each of you fed off the energy of the other. Because of that concert, we cover People Get Ready at Church for our opening of fall service.
Once at a Pump House concert, you were coming out of the door and immediately I tripped on the stairs. My wife assumed I was star struck... well maybe a little. Glad that you are touring again.
