Jasmine (26)

JASMINE was formed in 1978 by CAROL SCHMIDT and MICHELE ISAM. Both met while attending Webster College Music Department where Carol and Michele shared much in musical tastes and aspirations. They seemed especially compatible since Carol wrote, played piano and sang while Michele played sax, percussion and sang. Together they would arrange Carol's originals and other artists' music they loved. Their choices were eclectic as they drew upon all of their musical influences together and individually. Pop. Rock, soul, jazz and classical styles were all fair game for their club and concert set lists. No group, male or female at the time, had the sound or appeal they did. This set them apart and JASMINE caught on locally and lines formed at the clubs to see them. Their concerts and club gigs tended to be events and Carol and Michele engaged their fans with fun as well as great music. In 1986 the duo became a trio with the addition of singer/instrumentalist, LYDIA RUFFIN. LYDIA added a strong voice and a third harmony to the group giving JASMINE an even fuller sound. LYDIA performed on the "WILD STRINGS" LP. LYDIA left the group just before JASMINE took their hiatus. After 10 years of success and 2 LPs, 1989 brought change and Carol and Michele pursued more individual goals. Carol finished her masters degree in Jazz studies at WEBSTER UNIVERSITY and Michele went on to perform and record with "PAVLOV'S DOG" AND "FAIRCHILD." Not until 2002 did they work together again significantly. They were asked to perform to honor the late Laura Nyro at a book signing with Michele Kort for "SOUL PICNIC," her biography of the singer/songwriter. Then in 2003 they performed at the SHELDON CONCERT HALL in St. Louis, Mo. This sold out show was a thank you to their fans and also celebrated the re-release of their 2 records "JASMINE" and "WILD STRINGS" on CD for the first time. Since then Carol and Michele have collaborated on several choice projects such as concerts with local jazz faculty from Webster University and they opened for Willy Porter at the Sheldon in February, 2007. Carol and Michele are planning to release a new "live" CD in 2007-2008. It seems Carol and Michele are once again bringing new influences to their music together. And their fans will surely welcome it.