Hark the Dark is Claudia Schmidt's 22nd recording spanning a rich 43 (and counting!) year performing career. It's her 4th jazz-centered and first thematic offering. It honors. Winter, but even more deeply the beauty and importance of contemplation and quiet. Her magnificent vocals, spanning four octaves, are deftly accompanied here by piano, bass, drums and accordion. Although more widely known in the folk world, listeners will find she moves freely and gracefully between the languages of folk and jazz without losing the central thread that makes her a beloved performing artist no matter who has the opportunity to hear her. She embraces joy, humor, loss, and wonder in this sonic celebration never sounding better. From ballads to blues to swing to spoken word to chant.Hark the Dark is a feast for the ears.