Welcome...

2011 was filled with sad and satisfying goodbyes, joyous hello's, challenges that I didn't see coming as well as gifts beyond my wildest dreams. The year had amazing experiences in store for me, like meeting Graham Nash at the M.U.S.E. concert in August with the great Bonnie Raitt, going on my annual trip to Paris, accepting an invitation to the 54th Grammy Awards in February, 2012 as well as watching a few important people in my life face some heavy challenges.

The idea of Covering Life came to me as I was listening to some songwriters I admire and their poignant ideas about life's joys and heartaches. As I thought of my loved ones going through so much hardship, I thought of all the people I've seen walk courageously through the battles that life presents. I've seen miracles happen when the human spirit is engaged in love and faith...This is how "Covering Life" came to be. After all, "life's a state of mind". I called my friend and band mate Ricky Fataar and asked him to co-produce this record with me. Anyone who knows Ricky is aware of his musical genius. He is such a multi-talented musician and producer. Every song sounds better when Ricky is involved. My beloved friend and art director Molly Tuttle introduced me to Paul Tyler. She invited him to one of my shows and we became instant friends. It turns out we live in the same town and have a love for the same kind of music…and when we got together with some guitars, we found that our voices liked each other a lot too. It was a pleasure to have Paul play guitar and sing on this record. Marc Levine is a wonderful bass player and is a consummate professional. His serious work ethic and amazing musical talent adds so much to my music…plus he's a just an all-around great guy. Aaron Burnham came on board as studio manager and audio engineer last year and saved the day at HSR. He is the king of organization, which allowed us making the music to really focus while Aaron captured it all. Anton Patzner played absolutely beautiful violin on five of the tracks and Alicia Legget played her magical flute on two of my favorite songs of all time. They both added just the right touch…

If there is one thing I want the listener to know about this record it is that it was made with so much devotion to kindness. Life presents challenges every day and I believe that it is up to all of us to make these hardships mean something. I hope this record comes to mean something to you and that you will think of the people you love and the people you have lost and send some kindness out there. In the end, isn't that what it's all about anyway?

All my love,
Michelle Schmitt
San Francisco, November 2011

Purchase Michelle's new CD, Covering Life, via PayPal or the other options linked below...

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Christmas on Pine Mountain

"Christmas on Pine Mountain" is a benefit CD for Meals on Wheels-San Francisco. The idea for this Christmas record came to me as I was going through a box of old ornaments, remembering the happy Christmas memories of my childhood. I hopes that the songs will bring a bit of holiday cheer and some happiness for the listener. When thinking of Christmas I always remembers my family and especially my Grandmother who put enough love in my childhood to sustain a lifetime. Please remember that every CD purchased will help the people involved with Meals on Wheels in San Francisco. Spread the love...Click to the news page to read a review of this record.

Great holiday gifts for a great cause!

Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on iTunes
Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on CD Baby
Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on Amazon

All proceeds from the sale of "Christmas On Pine Mountain" will go to Meals On Wheels San Francisco. Michelle Schmitt has been a long time supporter of Meals on Wheels SF.

Click here for a list of Michelle's other records.

Harrison Street Records update...

Aaron Burnham is the new studio manager and audio engineer at Harrison Street Records and Pine Mountain Studio. Also on board is Paul Tyler, an audio engineer and producer who is busy making new music with bands he produces at HSR. Michelle and her team of engineers also work at her state of the art recording studio in Alexander Valley called Pine Mountain Studio. Located in Northern California, Michelle and her band enjoy the benefits of getting away from it all and focusing solely on the music. It's a recipe for more amazing music.

Michelle and her band have recorded 3 records in this studio already…in fact Michelle & Ricky Fataar just finished co-producing a record called "Covering Life" at Pine Mountain Studio and have plans for 2 projects in 2012. There is something about being in the beautiful California wine country that creates so much room for the magic to happen. Pine Mountain Studio is a throw back to the 70's with walls filled with Michelle's original albums from that time. "I have such a special place in my heart for the music that inspired me to play guitar and sing when I was a young girl. Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Arlo Guthrie, Buffy St. Marie, Carole King, Jesse Colin Young, and many others." All the feeling of that time is captured within the walls of this amazing studio nestled in the woods of Alexander Valley.

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