Anachromysticism

All compositions by Russell Schmidt. The vinyl edition is limited to 500 copies. The music was recorded on October 28 & 29 by by Clarke Rigsby at Tempest Recordings in Tempe, AZ. Mastered by Roger Seibel at SAE Mastering in Phoenix, AZ, who also cut the lacquers. The vinyl was pressed at RTI in Camarillo, CA. The cover was designed by Tony Amato of Amato Image Design, and printed at Stoughton in Los Angeles. The photos were taken by Nona Manson (Nonas Eyes Photography). This LP was geared towards an audiophile audience, and differs from the CD Release. The LP features an alternate, extended version of "Bad Idea". The LP also features the experimental "Warrant Piece". The CD features the upbeat "Fortnight with Ferguson", and the ballad "Will She Be Revealed to Me?". Both the LP and CD feature the song "Freeze Tag", which became a favorite amongst fans, musicians, and even DJ's have been known to spin this side at clubs. Liner Notes written by Russell Schmidt in July, 2012: "Although I've been writing music for over 30 years, I never recorded and released my own compositions until now. This project is a direct result of the efforts of two collaborators. Charles Wood (The Detroit 'Jazzrenegade') envisioned this release and spearheaded its development. Bob Ravenscroft not only generously supported its production, but also offered judicious musical advice at helpful moments during the recording process. I am deeply grateful to both of them for their partnership. Meditate is dedicated to Bob and the title track is dedicated to Charles. These pieces span the length of my career as a jazz writer. The earliest compositions on this LP date from around the mid-1980's. And the most recent, Anachromysticism, emerged from a printer 52 minutes before the recording session was to start. (I'm not just late to record my music, I'm late writing it, too.) These pieces have been brought to life by some exceptional musicians: Brice, Eric, Dwight, and Rob. It is a privilege to formally, finally document my work as a jazz composer with this band. Thank you, gentleman, for your ceaselessly creative contributions. Thanks also to Clarke, Mark, Jamey, Roger, Nona, Tony, and other friends for such remarkable efforts in shaping the sound and the look of this LP. ---R.S. July 2012