[laserman]

A couple of years ago Mitchel Forman of Metro imparted to me about a Germany artist who was writing and arranging some pretty amazing songs.  That led me to my first MSM Schmidt purchase..."Arrivals", which blow me away for it's unique new and refreshing jazz sound.  I emailed my comments to Michael Schmidt and he has stayed in touch with me ever since.

MSM Schmidt just released another new fusion jazz project titled "Destination."  Mr. Schmidt was influenced by - Metro, Steps Ahead, Weather Report, Yellowjackets, Karizma & Los Lobotomies, Planet X, Tribal Tech, Return to Forever, George Duke, Spyro Gyra, Pat Metheny Group, Ricky Peterson, Joseph Conlan, Tom Scott, Gato Barbieri, Vital Information, Brecker Bros., Michael Sembello, Maxus, The Tubes, Toto, Eberhard Weber, Keith Jarrett, and more.

The newest project continues to showcase the continued growth and exploration of this artist by showcasing a very energetic, vibrant and carefree style.  The tracks portray some great melodies with the movements of brilliant solo improvisations portrayed by precise timing and brilliant breaks.  IMHO, this project belongs in a serious contemporary or fusion jazz lover?s collection.



Musicians included are:
Michael Guenter Schmidt - Keyboards, synths, and loops;
Simon Phillips, Joel Rosenblatt & Wolfgang Haffner - drums;
Jimmy Haslip, Ric Fierabracci & Dave Carpenter - bass;
Tom Scott, Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal & sax;
Steve Tavaglione - EWI & sax;
Kai Thomsen, Scott Kinsey & Mitchel Forman - keys;
Walt Fowler - trumpet;
Mike Mainieri - vibes;
Dean Brown, Chuck Loeb, Alex Machacek & Mike Miller - guitar 


To sample songs of this new alblum plus his 2007 cd "Transit" please venture over to - http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.singleplaylist&friendid=479182908

Enjoy,
Lou

[lonewolfny42]

Thanks for the "heads up" Lou....sounds good.

Found these samples of "Arrivals".....

[BobM]

Just a quick question (because I can't access the samples from work) ... is it a shread album or true old school jazz fusion in the style of Weather Report and such? I don't see any of the usual shredders listed in the credits, so I'm betting the latter, in which case I'll have to look at this a little closer.

Thanks for the recommendation, but I don't see it on Amazon yet. Where can I pick it up?

[laserman]

Bobm,

You are correct on your bet...it's the latter.

According to Michael Schmidt, the cd should be available from  http://www.abstractlogix.com/ in mid October.  After 2009 it may go to either Amazon or cdBaby.  I'll try to remember to check back in a month or so.

Lou

[laserman]

I heard from Michael today and he stated that "Destination" is now available through CDBABY and will be available through Abstract Logix very soon.  My questimate was 180 degrees off, but it is finally in the states. 

Lou