MSM SCHMIDT - Project Biography

Destination is my third CD. The idea for it was formed already while mixing and mastering the second CD „Transit“ in the Studio Nord with Bernd Steinwedel in 2006. However, following a self-imposed restriction, I never start a new project unless the current one is finished. The reason for this is simply, that I keep producing new ideas and new music, and then the new ideas overtake the old ones, and I never get any song finished because I keep adding and adding new pieces and new songs ...

While Transit still contained some smooth songs, the new project should focus a bit more on fusion. I also wanted to bring in new musicians, with whom I had wanted to work with earlier, but it just had not happened.

Mitchel Forman and Scott Kinsey on keyboards were „settled“, as was Steve Tavaglione and Brandon Fields on saxophone and Wolfgang Haffner on drums who played on all my CD´s. And with the help of Jimmy Haslip, I got Simon Phillips to play drums on six tracks. He also recorded the drums, bass and some keyboards in his studio.

Mitchel Forman helped to bring in saxophone-legend Tom Scott, and I could get Mike Mainieri, the founder of Steps Ahead, to play vibraphone on two songs. Further, one of the rising stars on guitar, Alex Macharcek, also joined the project.

By December 2008, all tracks were recorded, so I got in touch again with Bernd Steinwedel for mixing and mastering. All songs on „Destination“ were mixed and mastered by him, except „Hey Jimmy“, which was mixed by Jimmy Haslip and Joe Vannelli in the Blue Moon Studio, Los Angeles. I actually composed this song for Jimmy Haslip.

During the time of recording, mixing and mastering, I met some of the musicians in person before or after their concerts in Germany and The Netherlands. This was an experience I don't want to miss. And only after meeting my heores, like Mike Mainieri, Jimmy Haslip, Scott Kinsey and last but not least Wolfgang Haffner, Mitchell Forman and other members of Metro and their friends, I realized that I keep composing, arranging and producing music because of all these wonderful people who bring my ideas to life by adding their touch of genius, each and every one.

During the recording, Dave Carpenter, who played bass on three tracks, and whom I did not happen to meet in person, passed away. „Song for an unknown friend“ is dedicated to him.

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