Pete Schmidt
The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ - October 09, 2003

I only travel to the dilapidated Jersey Shore town of Asbury Park for one thing...the music venues. So there was no question when it came to seeing Pete Schmidt play – I'd have to make the trek through what I refer to as "the ghetto."

It was well worth triple-checking that my car alarm was on in order to see the Atlanta-based singer/songwriting prodigy. Fresh from parting ways with his former band, I was eager to prove myself right – that Schmidt is even better solo. Indeed, he is.

After hanging out backstage with Schmidt, watching him whimsically warm up, he stepped up to the stage and began doing what he does best.

He opened with "Lost in New York" and in it, Schmidt sang brilliantly with his varied-tone voice. He swept through the intricate guitar riffs with ease during the slow, emotional song. He then covered "Fast Car", an original song by Tracy Chapman. He put his own musical stylings and improvs into the song, which made it a memorable cover.

Schmidt also sang, "My Own Everything," after explaining a bit about the song's origins. "It's about how I miss all my stuff at home when I'm away," he noted. Still, Schmidt expressed appreciation for life on the road and being able to meet new people.

His vocals remained strong throughout the performance, so clear as if they were perfected with studio equipment – but they weren't. It soon became easy to see that his voice is what makes him so distinctive, and is what I believe will pave the way for his musical successes. This guy can carry a tune that doesn't break, and belt out smooth high notes with ease. Yes, fellow ladies, you will swoon at the dreamy melodies this guy can sing.

That's not to say that I wasn't "wow-ed" by his guitar talent, either. Schmidt has a complex strumming style that reflects his Southern roots yet merges them with quintessential acoustic rock tunes. The result is a guy who can play the guitar almost effortlessly, while powerfully manipulating the instrument.

He later played "Angel", a powerful yet slower song in which Schmidt smoothly belted out, "I wish I could have you back for just a little."

On the flip side, "No More Love" was an up front, honest song about disliking relationships. It featured choppy, rickety strums during a sequence of hard riffs and smooth breaks. It was during this song that I realized that Schmidt doesn't need band back-up to make rhythm happen, and he defines what an acoustic soloist should be.

He closed with "Dreams", and by then, the audience was captured by his sometimes high-pitched voice and spot-on guitar playing. As was I.

If you like acoustic music, Schmidt is a master at the craft and well worth seeing live. It's obvious to see that this emerging artist has a great deal to offer as a singer, songwriter and musician, and meeting him face-to-face (or "Eye to Eye", for the fans) certainly makes for an enjoyable show experience.

A special thanks from Dan and myself to Pete and his manager, Jamie, for getting us on the "guestlist" and making it such a fun night!

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com