Wait For The Night
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Louisiana singer-songwriter Eric Schmitt uses bits from blues, country and folk for these 11 authentic and timeless tracks.
The raw spirit of “BR Blues” opens with Schmitt’s warm harmonica and emotive singing alongside Clay Parker’s fluid bass, and “Little Bird” follows with spoken word and electric piano from Schmitt that’s poetic and melodic.
Landing in the middle, “My Red Door” welcomes Clyde Thompson’s mature violin and Dave Hinson’s stirring cello and suits the intimate delivery, while “Floating” showcases Jodi James’ soulful backing vocals alongside Schmitt’s lovely singing and touching acoustic guitar.
Arriving close to the end, “Midnight Song”, the album’s best, is a fuller moment thanks to Chad Townsend’s crisp drums, Denise Brumfield’s lively bass and Parker’s meticulous electric guitar, and “Wait For The Night” exits with strong attention to ambience via a dreamy and mesmerizing finish.
Schmitt offers a diverse listen uses finger picking, strumming and plucked techniques, where the songs were captured onto an 8 track tape machine. It’s all substance and no flash, and will resonate with those that appreciate Young, Browne and Prine.
Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Backstage Balladeer; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M.