Mick Schafer | Music
Genres: Gypsy Rock, Americana, Blues, Jazz
With a new record, One Silken Scarf in hand, Mick’s work has been compared to a mash up of Los Lobos, Lyle Lovett, and Elvis Costello with a gravelly soulful voice all his own. He mixes roots with love and loss to deliver an inspired connection with his audience, and the eclectic artists who work and play with him, capturing their life experience.
“Mick sings with nothing but heart. It’s the unexpected highlight of my year so far.” Bob Stark, One Silken Scarf Producer
“I really like (Mick’s) music. It’s very personal and very soulful. I like his lyrics too. It’s…spacious, even though it’s hard driving. He leaves a lot of space in his lyrics, so there’s room for (the music) to breathe. And let us (the musicians) just groove. I like his sense of timing…and really enjoy his approach, and the truthful sincerity in his music. I got goose bumps a bunch of times (recording the record with Mick).” Dave Captein One Silken Scarf Bass Player
"Back to the Blues" was born during the pandemic, during which Mick recruited some truly legendary players, including Shemekia Copeland guitarist Ken "Willie" Scandlyn and drummer Jimi Bott, who has 20 BMA nominations and 13 Cascade Blue Society Drummer of the Year awards his name, among many other awards.
The resulting album reflects Mick's lifelong passion for blues, and finally fulfills the long-held dream born in church choirs as a child, that of spending his life making the music he loves.
PRESS
"Mick's voice will draw you in and you'll be tapping your toes"
- Casade Blues Association Blues Notes
"Engages the audience in a foot stomping, head-nodding, journey led by their great voice, lyrics and energy."
- Casade Blues Association Blues Notes
"Plays with unpretentious joy"
- Positively Entertainment and Dining
"MICK SCHAFER BAND/Back to the Blues: A sinister sounding white boy with the blues brings Portland's version of the blues to the world in fine style. Recorded with a sweaty, four on the floor feel, this cat that's been in and out of music for years knows it's too late to stop now and better not come with anything but his best. It's like he never dropped out of college leaving the coffeehouse behind, except that he got better as he got older. If you can't feel the blue lights in the basement and the ciggy smoke, get your nerve endings checked."
- Midwest Record Review
"In the quiet opener “Over in the Corner” you immediately notice Mick Schafer’s special, somewhat dirty voice, which is also an important asset in other songs such as “If I Win Blues,” which ties in well with the rest of the album and is very atmospheric.
On “Virgin Mary” the guitars lead the dance (Ken “Willie Scandlyn and Jason JT Thomas). The shuffle of drummer Jimi Bott next to Tom Esch’s droopy violin set the mood in “Rainbow.” Already because of the title, the uptempo cowboy blues “Husband Blues” stands out, while on “Astara,” after the bass intro by Timmer Blakely, Mick Schafer takes over masterfully.
Wake up from your comfort zone on sultry “She Woke Up,” swing to “Don’t Wanna B Judged” and then help close the doors after “Rich Boy,” because this is the closing that will definitely leave you thinking for a while. It holds a grip. Mick Schafer is certainly unknown to many, but not for long. Discover his masterful singing and songwriter qualities on ‘Back to the Blues.'"
Amazing review from Rootstime is one of the biggest Blues- and Rootswebsites from Belgium & The Netherlands.