My recording career started in 1979 with my self-titled release from Flying Fish Records. I've since added many to that list. My five Flying Fish releases include four "solo" outings and one with long-time friend Sally Rogers. In 1987 I started my relationship with Twin Cities based Red House Records. I have four "solo" releases and another duo with Sally Rogers on this very hot label.
As the century ended, I turned my attentions to the world of vocal jazz. I recorded two efforts as a guest vocalist with the Michigan based New Reformation Jazz Band. The first, a Gospel /Jazz endeavor, and the second a tribute to the hundreth birthday celebrations of Gershwin and Ellington.
My latest foray into Jazz is with my own Jazz Quintet, Claudia Schmidt and the JumpBoys. Together we've recorded two projects. The first a live recording done on Beaver Island, Michigan, "Live" at the Old Rectory Pub. This 10 track release on Independent Records is a great representation of this exciting band in a live setting.My latest release, "I Thought About You," was completed in July of 2001. It is a collection of jazz classics with the JumpBoys setting the tone - think Ella, Sarah, Carmen and Verve Records!
In the Fall of 2003 I finished a much awaited project. ROADS was is my first completely spoken-word CD. This is the culmination of years of performing and reciting poetry on stage during performances. Requests for copies of these works have been the single largest source of email through this website.
In April of 2006 I released my latest all folk recording SPINNNING. This was a great project, filled with local Michigan talent including my old friend Joddy Croswhite, Crispin Campbell and Don Julin from the Neptune Quartet, Dawn Campbell, Janice Keegan, John Kumjian, Jack Dryden, and Steve Stargardt. All of it recorded and produced right here in Traverse City, (and Cedar,) Michigan. Holy Wah!
The Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis is the pinnacle of jazz performance in the midwest. Therefore, when I finally landed a gig there, I saw it as an opportunity to make a unique jazz recording. With the help of my long-time collaborator and friend, Dean Magraw, I put together a group of young - killer - musicians from the Twin Cities. We recorded two great gigs at the Dakota in May 2006, and at the end of Novemer '06 we put out a CD with ten tracks that best represent the feeling and flavor of that night. Check it out.
