It only takes one glance at the cover of Little Black Sheep to understand what you’re about to hear. The cover image is of one black sheep and one white one creating new life as animals do. That is, creating little grey sheep, misfits that don’t fit in anywhere else but amongst themselves. For his fifth album, Austin, TX born singer-songwriter Danny Schmidt compiled a collection of what he deems to be his own little grey sheep. The songs that didn’t fit within any of his other releases, but that together create a beautiful, harmonic, and complete album.
Although this album was recorded in Charlottesville, VA, where Schmidt lived for years, the constant undertone of country styling in his guitar work makes it hard to forget his that he was Austin born and raised. His song, Adios To Tejasito, is a fun and quirky song that plays homage to his hometown with lyrics like, “Wrap me up in Austin, You can kiss her mouth without kissing her behind”. But don’t get me wrong, I’m far from calling this a country album.
Schmidt’s poetic lyrics, his raspy, yet smooth voice, and his deep, precise and rhythmic guitar playing make this the perfect album for spending a cozy night at home or resting on a dock with some of your closest friends. There’s a warmth that resonates from his songs which I sometimes find is missing in works from singer-songwriters. But this album shows that Schmidt knows exactly how to capture and convey emotion to an audience of fellow everyday people living everyday lives.
TRACK LISTING

Leaves Are Burning

Drawing Board

Go Ugly Early

Cliff Song

Around The Waist

Adios To Tejasito

Tales Of Sweet Odysseus

Emigrant, MT

California’s On Fire

Song For Judy & Bridget

Company Of Friends

Trouble Comes Calling