Danny Schmidt Instead the Forest Rose to Sing Genres:Folk, Pop, Rock Winner of the prestigious 2007 Kerrville New Folk Award, Danny Schmidt is a profound lyrical writer and accomplished guitarist, whose songs tackle universal themes of love, loss and longing...restless discontent and gratef... more »ul joy. His Red House Records debut cements his acclaim as the best of the next generation of singer-songwriters. Instead The Forest Rose to Sing is an artistically crafted collection of songs exploring the concept of money and it's worth in today's world. As someone who has worked on a commune, survived cancer without health insurance and has now begun to know financial success, Schmidt has experienced the notion of "wealth" from several sides. "Money is a complicated concept," he says, "and ultimately, how we choose to relate to the idea of money reflects a lot about our values." Extremely relevant in today's struggling economy, songs like "Better Off Broke," "Southland Street" and "Serpentine Cycle of Money" explore various perspectives on wealth, while songs like "Grampa Built Bridges," "Two Timing Bank Robbers Lament" and "Firestorm" paint vivid characters and their search for meaningful lives. Mixing folk, Americana and indie-roots styles, these songs possess driving melodies and timely themes that capture Schmidt at the height of his artistic powers. Produced by Mark Hallman (David Byrne, Eliza Gilkyson, Ani Difranco), Instead The Forest Rose to Sing marks the arrival of major new talent.« less
Winner of the prestigious 2007 Kerrville New Folk Award, Danny Schmidt is a profound lyrical writer and accomplished guitarist, whose songs tackle universal themes of love, loss and longing...restless discontent and grateful joy. His Red House Records debut cements his acclaim as the best of the next generation of singer-songwriters. Instead The Forest Rose to Sing is an artistically crafted collection of songs exploring the concept of money and it's worth in today's world. As someone who has worked on a commune, survived cancer without health insurance and has now begun to know financial success, Schmidt has experienced the notion of "wealth" from several sides. "Money is a complicated concept," he says, "and ultimately, how we choose to relate to the idea of money reflects a lot about our values." Extremely relevant in today's struggling economy, songs like "Better Off Broke," "Southland Street" and "Serpentine Cycle of Money" explore various perspectives on wealth, while songs like "Grampa Built Bridges," "Two Timing Bank Robbers Lament" and "Firestorm" paint vivid characters and their search for meaningful lives. Mixing folk, Americana and indie-roots styles, these songs possess driving melodies and timely themes that capture Schmidt at the height of his artistic powers. Produced by Mark Hallman (David Byrne, Eliza Gilkyson, Ani Difranco), Instead The Forest Rose to Sing marks the arrival of major new talent.
"Danny delivers again! The new record is one of my favorites (2nd only to Parables and Primes), and I recommend this album as a great place to start if you're unfamiliar with his music. As is common with his records, he provides a mix of insight, entertainment, and mystery into each track. I'll say that if you haven't had an opportunity to catch his live shows, you're in for a treat. The energy and presence he brings to the stage are incredible, and I've left each show with a new appreciation for his music.
Instead the Forest Rose to Sing is outstanding - the mix of back-up instruments and vocal harmonies add a depth that really brings these songs to life as studio recordings. You'll find yourself humming a phrase from Southland Street or Better Off Broke, or wondering just what on earth the Bank Robber was thinking! Man, the imagery that these songs bring to mind are so vivid, so unique. I have loved listening to Danny's tunes, and this album especially. It's well worth every cent you'll spend!"
This artist gets better and better
Donna Stewart | Louisa, VA | 03/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got Danny's new release and I can't stop listening to it. Many familiar sounds if you know his music, but this guy is obviously out to perfect his art. Outstanding guitar playing, incredible lyrics and great vocal range. If you like folk music you will like Danny Schmidt."
A Must Listen!
M. Schneider | Duluth, MN, USA | 04/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Better off Broke and Swing Me Down start the album off with high energy. Full tempo songs dominated by fiddles, harmonicas, and subtle background vocals instantly bring you down home to the southern USA. Swing Me Down is one of the songs you think could be an American Classic. Grampa Built Bridges keeps the high quality that the album begins with, but slows things down a bit. It's a sweet ballad about how our world has lost touch with nature and true hard work. Southland Street, with Danny's strong narrative storytelling that he showcased in Parables in Primes converging with politics and economy, is destined to be the big crowd pleaser from this album. There's something about Danny's stories that is just completely captiviating. Two Timing Bank Robber's Lament and Firestorm are, in my humble opinion, the least strong songs on the album. And that's not saying much because I still love them. Aside from being wildly relevant, Serpentine Cycle of Money has Carrie Elkin on backup vocals, a true winner by these two rights alone. Oh Bally Ho and Accidentally Daisies are the two shortest songs on the album; they are sweet and sentimental, and wind the album down to it's finish: The Night's Beginning to Shine. Interesting to end the album with an end (night) and a beginning. It seems everything has come full circle. It's a beautiful song that leaves you fairly hopeful and optimistic in spite of the heavy issues explored throughout the album.
Overall the album is a winner in my book, and I will probably have it on rotation for a very long time. For people who have never heard Danny before it's a great way to get a sense of his music, because it includes so many different kinds of music and tempos, and it includes both the narrative and the personal which was previously so torn between Parables & Primes and Little Grey Sheep. Even Enjoying the Fall lends its blues-grassy down home feel throughout many of the songs. I appreciate when an artist can explore so many different styles in one compilation instead of being stuck to one musical style."
Poetic, humble and wise beyond...
T. L. Starks | Central Illinois | 03/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Danny Schmidt is the kind of songwriter that colors the wind with words of experience, deep experience. He sees something with the eyes of his heart and reminisces in such a way that provides visions of beauty midst the chaos to the dullest of eyes. Poetic, humble and wise beyond his years...
Instead the Forest Rose to Sing is not only a keeper, it's a dream that gains more insight, more vivid detail every time I experience it. I do not have a favorite song from this CD, on all of his other masterpieces, I do. Perhaps it is the mother in me, that I cannot depict a favorite child here- each song's personality is fitting and just right, and more- always more with each listening."