Jasmine: St. Louis' Own Favorite Jazz/Pop Duo
JASMINE was formed in 1978 by CAROL SCHMIDT and MICHELE ISAM. Both met while attending Webster College Music Department where Carol and Michele shared much in musical tastes and aspirations. They seemed especially compatible since Carol wrote, played piano and sang while Michele played sax, percussion and sang. Together they would arrange Carol's originals and other artists' music they loved. Their choices were eclectic as they drew upon all of their musical influences together and individually. Pop. Rock, soul, jazz and classical styles were all fair game for their club and concert set lists. No group, male or female at the time, had the sound or appeal they did. This set them apart and JASMINE caught on locally and lines formed at the clubs to see them. Their concerts and club gigs tended to be events and Carol and Michele engaged their fans with fun as well as great music.
In 1986 the duo became a trio with the addition of singer/instrumentalist, LYDIA RUFFIN. LYDIA added a strong voice and a third harmony to the group giving JASMINE an even fuller sound. LYDIA performed on the "WILD STRINGS" LP. LYDIA left the group just before JASMINE took their hiatus.
After 10 years of success and 2 LPs, 1989 brought change and Carol and Michele pursued more individual goals. Carol finished her masters degree in Jazz studies at WEBSTER UNIVERSITY and Michele went on to perform and record with "PAVLOV'S DOG" AND "FAIRCHILD." Not until 2002 did they work together again significantly. They were asked to perform to honor the late Laura Nyro at a book signing with Michele Kort for "SOUL PICNIC," her biography of the singer/songwriter.
Then in 2003 they performed at the SHELDON CONCERT HALL in St. Louis, Mo. This sold out show was a thank you to their fans and also celebrated the re-release of their 2 records "JASMINE" and "WILD STRINGS" on CD for the first time.
Since then Carol and Michele have collaborated on several choice projects such as concerts with local jazz faculty from Webster University and they opened for Willy Porter at the Sheldon in February, 2007.
Carol and Michele are planning to release a new "live" CD in 2007-2008. It seems Carol and Michele are once again bringing new influences to their music together. And their fans will surely welcome it.
"...a hard act to follow...pianist Carol Schmidt and saxophonist Michele Isam...both have a flair for crisp, staccato harmonies... Truly refreshing, they deserved the vigorous applause that brought them back for an encore." —Mike Joyce, The Washington Post
"With rhythm rather than blood racing through their veins, Miss Schmidt and Miss Isam raised the roof...exploding with thrilling musical arrangements..." —William D. Kerns, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
"They exhibit excellent taste in the material they use. Often described as doing " a little of everything," they actually do the best of a few....they do it all well." —Jim Wolff, St. Louis Music News
"Of the originals (on their premier album)... it is Schmidt's poetry...that will garner the most attention...Her images are thought provoking, and she provides insight into the human experience...the sound is perfect." —Steve Pick, The Riverfront Times
Jasmine News Update
Here's a video on Youtube of Jasmine II at the Clayton Art Fair 08. To check out my Youtube page, click here.
