Steven J. Schmidt - The Driftless Sessions (2025)

Tracklist

01. The Driftless
02. Ferry Me, Ferry Me Away
03. French Slough
04. Hans Painted With Flowers
05. Such Memories
06. Neshonoc Lullaby
07. The Witch of the Reeds
08. Off To Take A Stand
09. Tell Them I Never Passed This Way
10. The Windmill 80
11. Movin' On Is All I Know

Schmidt composed the music and lyrics for all eleven songs on The Driftless Sessions album. Schmidt found inspiration for many of the songs by The Driftless region where he makes his home. Schmidt lives with his wife, Elizabeth, in Rochester, MN and they spend many days at their “summer hideaway” above Lake Neshonoc near La Crosse, WI.

Schmidt says, “The album’s title track, The Driftless, was inspired by the life and times and writings of Dr. Charlie Mayo and an interaction I had with a nurse prior to a medical procedure at Mayo Clinic. There are also songs inspired by the coulees and bluffs along The Mississippi, Mayowood Historic Home, Golden Hill Elementary School, and the Olmsted County farm that my wife’s family has been working for six generations they call “The Windmill 80”.

Schmidt is the former Artistic Director and General Manager of the City of Rochester Civic Music Department where, for nearly 33 years, he conceived, initiated, and programmed such popular programs as the Down by the Riverside, Riverside Live!, World Music, and ForWard concert series. He has been focusing on his own music-making since retiring from public service in 2021. Recognized for his lifetime achievement, contribution, and leadership to the arts in Minnesota with a Sally Ordway Commitment Award, Schmidt has been busy writing new songs and performing at various venues across the upper-Midwest.

Two-Time GRAMMY® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer write, “Beautiful imagery and guitar playing!” about Steven’s 2023 National Public Radio “Tiny Desk Concert” submission, The Witch of the Reeds. Ken Onstad, President of New Folk Records, says about Steve’s Heartland album, “There could be no better title for this CD. With these songs, Steven has courageously opened up his heart and invited the listeners to experience an amazing reflection on some of the highest and lowest moments in his life. His guitar work is extraordinary; embracing the sad whimsy of a Nick Drake and the creative fury of a Leo Kottke. It is a perfect CD for anyone who enjoys great guitar and great stories.

Schmidt is a highly skilled guitarist some refer to as “a folkie with chops” and is noted for his fingerpicking, novel chord voicings, use of alternate tunings, and playing up-the-neck. He plays several guitars on the album and says, “Each instrument brings its own voice and timbre to my music. I play a Martin MC3H on most of the tunes on The Driftless Sessions. It’s a very special instrument that came to me trough my relationship with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer through whom I met my friend and folk music icon Pete Seeger. I worked with and swapped songs with Pete while serving on the Sing Out! board of directors. I also play a wonderful 12-string guitar that Charlie Hoffman built for me. Charlie was a wonderful Twin Cities luthier who, sadly, passed recently. I think he would have enjoy the haunting sound I get out of his instrument on my song The Witch of the Reeds. I also use DADGAD tuning, a tuning that is favored by Celtic musicians, on two of my songs.”

Schmidt recruited a virtual “Who’s Who” of Minnesota’s most sought-after players to work on his album The Driftless Sessions. Richard Kriehn plays mandolin and fiddle on the record. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Kreihn played with the “Guys All-Star Shoe Band” and the “House Band” on A Prairie Home Companion from June of 2010 until the host, Garrison Keillor retired in July of 2016. He has performed in symphony orchestras, bluegrass bands, baroque ensembles, pit orchestras, cover bands, and country bands. Kreihn has toured with Travis Tritt, Aaron Tippin and Michael Peterson, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, and the bluegrass group 1946. He has appeared numerous times on the Grand Ole’ Opry and made appearances on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Prime Time Country as well an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Dan Neale, one of the Minnesota’s most adored pickers who is known for his soulful guitar playing and undeniable stage presence, plays guitar and banjo on The Driftless Sessions. Neale was a regular contributor on Garrison Keillor’s renowned radio show A Prairie Home Companion. In his role with the “All Star Shoe Band” he accompanied renowned artists including Emmylou Harris, Leo Kottke, Shawn Colvin and Dr. John. Neale’s impressive resume includes sharing the stage with legendary blues artist Bo Diddley and backing music icons Graham Nash and Wanda Jackson. During the 50th Anniversary Buddy Holly Tribute at the Surf Ballroom Neale performed alongside such notable musicians as Chuck Leavell (keyboardist for The Rolling Stones), Hutch Hutchinson (bassist for Bonnie Raitt), and Kenny Arnoff (drummer for John Mellencamp). Neale often travels to Nashville, TN where he is in demand as a session player for various producers and artists.

John Wright, who co-produced the album with Schmidt and his wife, Elizabeth, plays acoustic and electric bass and DAGAD guitar on The Driftless Sessions. Wright’s versatility on the instrument has led him to play alongside a range of artists, from Pop Fusion/New Age guitarist Billy McLaughlin to Blues and Soul legend Mick Sterling. He also spent four years performing with Minnesota pop star Tim Mahoney. In 1999, John co-founded the critically acclaimed Celtic/American Folk-Rock trio, Lehto & Wright. John’s musical journey has spanned multiple genres, including Prog Rock with his own band, US, whose debut recording even made the cover of College Music Journal. Wright is a highly sought after recording engineer and producer with nearly 100 full-length recordings and countless sessions under his belt. Wright founded The Villa Recording Studio, New Fold Records, and Loud Folk Records.

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