Michigan singer-songwriter Claudia Schmidt has covered a lot of musical ground since she made her performing debut with a stirring rendition of "Tammy" at age four around a neighborhood bonfire. For three decades as a touring musician, Claudia has enthralled listeners across America and Europe with her explorations of folk, blues, and jazz idioms, featuring her masterful guitar work, mountain dulcimer, and incredible vocals.

A musician who has always hated categories, Claudia describes herself as a "creative noisemaker." Folks who have seen her perform know that Claudia's concerts range far and wide through often unexpected territory, including (but definitely not limited to) hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire, and the full gamut of emotions. Her latest recordings hint at the scope of Claudia's work: a solo studio album of original folk songs, Spinning, and a stunning CD of ensemble jazz, Live at the Dakota. It is in her live shows, however, that the full range of Claudia's talent comes to bear as she weaves a joyful, spontaneous performance.