From Youth Open Mic to Rising Star
The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation has been supporting Carlotta Schmidt since her family first brought her — and a guitar about the same size — to perform at our Youth Open Mic.
Fast forward to helping her connect with Sandy Mack and his stable of great musicians, some of whom recorded with Carlotta on her self-titled debut CD released on April 28, 2023, to the many musical adventures she has been a part of, including sharing the stage with Jon Faddis.
It has been a special privilege to watch her grow and mature into the musician and person she is today. The steadfast support of her family, coupled with her fierce desire to be the best person and musician she can be, has brought her to this point in her career — including an impressive résumé for an 18-year-old, which now features this new collection of ten self-penned and self-produced songs.
Meet the Band: The Bold
Her band, The Bold, has been with her for the past three years and consists of some of the best players on the Jersey Shore, all with star-studded résumés: Mike Flynn on guitar, pedal steel, and backing vocals; Paul Avrutin on bass and backing vocals; and the mighty Lee Finkelstein on drums and percussion.
Two special guests also appear — Dave Eggar on cello and Lyris Hung on violin.
Song-by-Song Highlights
Since You Never Asked
Probes a relationship where deep-seated emotions are left unspoken. Carlotta’s delivery over the easy-going melody masks deeply personal issues with texture and maturity.
Woman Crush Wednesday
An up-tempo rocker with terrific soloing by Carlotta over “tongue in cheek” lyrics centered around an independent woman with plenty of flair.
I Just Want to Talk to You
Colored by Lyris’s superb violin intertwined with Carlotta’s acoustic guitar. You can hear in her voice that the heartfelt lyrics are a plaintive cry, reminiscing over a relationship that has ended.
Let Me Be Me
Pretty heavy stuff for a teenager — but Carlotta is an old soul trapped in a young body. This anthem has assertive vocals laid over lush strings, making it clear she’s going to do things her way.
Oyster and Pearl
Features Lyris’s violin in a song where she thanks someone who changed her life, using the metaphor in the title. Adult themes are delivered with conviction beyond her years.
Brother
An ode to Denton, her talented older sibling, that brings back fond memories of him as MC of our Youth Open Mic with his wry sense of humor.
Dream of You
A wisp of a song that chugs along with the help of some nice guitar in just over two and a half pleasant minutes.
Rosalie
Has a folky feel with acoustic guitars and fiddle, along with some of Carlotta’s most spirited vocals, bringing the title character to life.
Now I Don’t Miss You Anymore
Tackles the age-old problem of realizing the person you loved is not who they seemed to be. The title says it all — a healthy, grown-up way to move on from a relationship, made believable in her heartfelt delivery.
Two Steps Forward, Twenty Back
Details how she will deal with a failed relationship, backed by a wall of sound that underscores the sentiment.
A Remarkable Achievement
This is a group of songs that address the human condition with great songwriting and singing, coupled with terrific melodies played by outstanding musicians. Quite an accomplishment for an 18-year-old!
Release Dates and Live Performance
Two songs have been released, with a third due out on August 21st. The entire collection will be available on September 4th, with Carlotta and the band performing it live on September 21st at the Wonder Bar, opening for Sandy Mack. For all the details, check out the links below.
Website: carlottaschmidtmusic.com
EPK: https://www.reverbnaon.com/carlottaschmidt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlottaschmidtmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlottaschmidt_music/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlottaschmidtmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ZNZFHUKjYGhu6l3ErffcW
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/carlotta-schmidt/1683773040