Yvonne Schmidt

REVIEW BY: Lisa Palmeno

Buffalo's fabulous Miss Y is back with a new CD sure to please all blues lovers, some who love country, and even gospel fans.

Her first release since the soulful Nothing But Blue, Foolproof is sure to be a party favorite. Produced by Grammy Award-winner Tom Hambridge (who worked on the last album), the 10-track compilation offers hard-driving danceable blues, modern country with a twist, and slow deep blues ballads.

The first track starts off with "The Right Track", a full-bodied tune by Hambridge, Jim Lauderdale and Gary Nicholson. The band really gets off to "the right start" here, with Max Abrams’ horns and plenty of keys to get everyone ready for some more blues.

Yvonne's sound is better and lovelier than ever, her smooth alto voice taking command without getting throaty or overdone. Bonnie Raitt's influence is clear on the vocals, and Miss Y even added one of her songs to the mix, "Give it Up," made wildly popular by the Dixie Chicks.

"What You Gonna Do About Me?" is pure Chicago blues. Featuring lots of easy vibrato in minor, Schmidt and Rob McNelly's guitar dominate the ballad while the band fills in the background deep in the pocket.

Probably the most fun song on the CD is "Daddy is a Rocker," a country tune with lots of blues influences about a daddy trying to make it in the business. Hambridge nails the high hat properly as Miss Y tells the story about the dad who gets to "drink on the job" and is always trying to "get that sound."

She said, "Right around the corner, I swear there's fortune and fame/sooner or later we'll all know his name/turn on the radio and you'll hear his song/see my daddy he's a rocker and we all play along/now see my daddy likes to rock, he never punches a clock he never likes to piss and moan….see my daddy is a rocker, he never turns anything down."

The song is hit material, and Yvonne sounds exceptionally cool on this one. Hambridge adds vibraphone, percussion and background vocals to the CD; Ann and Regina McCrary provide the subtle background vocals; Tom MacDonald plays all bass tracks; and Kevin McKendree plays piano, B-3 organ and the Wurlitzer.

Covers include a terrific rendition of "Born Under a Bad Sign", featuring Chris Tuttle on keyboards, and "Come to Mama", a perfect choice for Miss Y’s sultry attitude and sound.

Another highlight of the album is lucky (or holy) #7, "Thank the Lord". This simple, slow blues/gospel Hambridge original showcases the three ladies, Yvonne, Ann and Regina. It is light and uplifting as Miss Y sings "I thank the Lord for letting me stay around a little longer/Lord knows I love the life I live."

Daddy might be a rocker, but "Mama" Yvonne definitely got "just the right sound" this time. Foolproof is a testament to the breadth and depth of what is included in blues music and all of its influences, plus a bevy of talented music veterans to make it real.

Put out by Schmidt's own label, Wild in Blue Productions, Foolproof was recorded at Vibe 56 Recording and mixed at Insanery Recording Studio, both in Nashville, Tennessee. Even the CD cover is eye-catching, with three photos of the diva in summer garb and a convertible, stone archway and forest in the background. Most of all, though, Foolproof is a very fun 40-minutes worth of listening material. I can't wait to hear it live.

WBFO 88.7 - 97 Rock D.J.
Yvonne Schmidt's CD "Nothing But Blue" is a gutsy and authentic blues record which every music enthusiast should check out! From the lead track "Get You Back" an instant catchy radio song, to her version of Janis Joplin's "Turtle Blues" this disc is a home run! Yvonne gives Bonnie Raitt a run for her money with the sexy, laid back, "Mighty Tight Woman" and does Muddy Waters proud with "Mean Mistreater". Make no mistake, this record rocks! Once you hear "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda" you'll be singing it for the rest of the day with it's infectious hook and country kick! From start to finish, you get a wonderfully produced CD of great songs performed by a true Buffalo Talent!  ~ Anita West

POP Magazine
"Yvonne Schmidt has proven that Buffalo has a lot to offer to the music industry with her debut album, 'Nothing But Blue.' Listening to this album, you can hear how Yvonne adds a nice twist to the blues by incorporating her own sense of style. Although I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy of the album, you can't fully appreciate Yvonne's powerful voice until you hear her live. Yvonne's been performing in Buffalo clubs for years, so if you get a chance, go see her!"

The Buffalo News GUSTO
"Yvonne Schmidt has knocked my socks off with her debut solo effort, "Nothing But Blue," a demo that has been haunting my CD player for weeks. Produced by Tom Hambridge, the album places Schmidt front and center, which is where she belongs. A vibrant, powerful singer, Schmidt belts the blues with moral and musical authority. Not surprising, considering the fact that she's been doing just that in Buffalo clubs for years. No lie; this stuff is of an international caliber and would be quite at home on a major blues label like, say, Alligator."

Blues Beat
"A very classy reception was held at Sessions Studio on Amherst Street, which included a live performance of a debut CD. Tell you right now, your heart and soul will be satisfied when you get a listen to Yvonne Schmidt's newest call "

Nothing But Blue
"The songs were from the album, and it's full of fire and heat. Yvonne provided the confident and sinewy vocal ignition to the band's concentrated flame. Tom Hambridge produced this one, as well as Susan Tedeschi's well received "Just Won't Burn." Buffalo songwriters, John Brady and Phil Dillon, contributed outstanding music and lyrics. And what a band, composed of some of the area's finest, was up there! Doug Morgano and Mark Winsick on guitars, Kevin Murphy on keys, Willie Schoelkopf and John Brady doing backup vocals, with Mike Phelps on drums and Jim Witford on bass. You can't get much better than that."

ARTVOICE
"Superb R@B vocalist Yvonne Schmidt and Mark Winsick Band performed at nouveau Sessions Studios on Amherst Street near Grant on November 15th, a live performance of material from her debut CD 'Nothing But Blue.'"

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