CD REVIEW: Schmidt weaves poetry through fine guitar on ‘Silt’

By Diana Nollen

Iowa City troubadour Ben Schmidt has captured the flavor of love and loss, floods and keepsakes and hummingbirds in “Silt.”

This eclectic collection is fueled by Schmidt's strong poetic voice and stellar guitar playing, which runs the gamut from rootsy fingerpicking to a Spanish flair on “Virgin.”

The title track showcases Schmidt's fine, low gravely vocals and nice guitar work with a hook that stays with you long after the song is through: “At the end of the day we are silt and sediment / a dirt line to remind us where we've been. ... I long to be gone with the water.”

“Cigar Box” turns the mood to a lighter shade with a country flavor and a plucky tempo as he sings of a woman who keeps all her treasures in a see-gar box. You just have to smile.

The tone turns somber again with “Neglect,” an especially poetic song hammering home lyrics about storms in the Heartland. “Ruby Slippers” slips into the wonders of Oz as the music continues drawing rich and vibrant character studies. “Tripwire” tells the most interesting story layered over innovative rhythms, followed by “One Piece Pajamas,” an in-your-face, coming-of-age look at the results of careless, carefree sex. It would be funny if it weren't so sad and true. “Raccoon Girl” paints such a vivid picture you feel you know this mysterious woman intimately.

“No Explanation” kicks the tempo up a few notches as it skitters over love's muddy track before “Rain” falls peacefully to bring the journey full circle.

Schmidt's voice is a powerful, lovely talent in the rich tapestry of Eastern Iowa artists. Hear him Saturday night at CSPS in Cedar Rapids.

FAST TAKE

Title: “Silt”

Artist: Ben Schmidt

Label: Self-released

Performance: CD release party, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $11 in advance at www.iowatix.com or $15 at the door

Information: www.legionarts.org/music/Schmidt.htm