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Danny Schmidt
Austin songwriter Danny Schmidt has been building an enthusiastic
following while simultaneously inspiring the admiration of his fellow
artists and critical acclaim from industry professionals. He is the real
deal, an authentic timeless troubadour in the tradition of Townes Van
Zandt, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Dave Carter, who delivers his craft
with a quiet power, a level of complexity, and an underlying humanity
that is truly rare in this age of sound bite marketeering.
It's his songwriting which won him the prestigious Kerrville New Folk
award, but it's his intense live performances that leave listeners with
a sense that each of his songs is necessary, plain and simple. His guitar
work is effortless and sparkling, his arrangements are fresh and unpredictable,
his voice ageless. Stylistically and musically, Danny’s writing
spans an impressively diverse reach, from deeply-rooted Appalachian mountain
gospel to haunted English balladry, from syncopated Piedmont country blues
to vagabond 60’s protest folk.
He tackles universal themes of love, loss, and longing . . . restless
discontent and grateful joy. And he captures both the sorrow and the beauty
inherent in our everyday lives with the wisdom of a perceptive, compassionate
elder and with the innocent awe and tenderness of a child.
"He is perhaps the best new songwriter we've heard in the last 15
years." Rich Warren in Sing Out!
“This songsmith has been churning out brilliant, poetic songs on
the human condition coupled with dazzling technique on his guitar strings
for almost a decade.” Jay Trachtenberg on KUT Radio in Austin
“Danny Schmidt is a young man with blazing lyrical skills and a
deserved cult following.” Andrew Hawkey, Cambria Arts, UK
“In today’s underground folk world, Danny Schmidt is spoken
of in reverent tones, drawing comparisons to Leonard Cohen, with a poetry
that breathes naturally and without pretension, with results that are
both attractive and intense.” Jim Caligiuri, Austin Chronicle
“Danny Schmidt has caught a fast rising star, and is shining brightly
with his amazing sound. This guy is headed for the big arena stage. Kerville
New Folk winner in ’07. Poet. Singer-songwriter. Guitar phenom.
Hypnotic wordsmith.” Tom Kemper, Concert Presenter