1930-03-17 *The birth of Grover Mitchell in 1930 is marked on this date. He was an African American musician and lead trombonist and the third leader of the Count Basie Orchestra. Born in Whatley, Ala., and raised in Pittsburgh, Mitchell was a lifelong brass-section player: His experience began with Pittsburgh school bands (one of which also included the pianist Ahmad Jamal), military groups and the Chicago-based jump-blues bands. After leaving the Marines in the 1950s, he played with Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He joined the Basie band in 1962 and stayed until 1970, when jazz musicians at his level were able to make more money in the television studios. Mitchell worked for NBCs Flip Wilson Show and stayed at the network for a decade; he also worked on films, including Lady Sings the Blues. His job gave him enough flexibility to run his own big band on the side, beginning in 1978. During a Los Angeles musician’s union strike in 1980, Basie again called Mitchell, who was ready to rejoin. Mitchell strengthened the sound of the trombone section and became one of Basies most dependable lieutenants. In 1995, he became bandleader of the Count Basie Orchestra, following Thad Jones and Frank Foster. As leader, he emphasized musicianship, teamwork and accuracy and won the band-renewed popularity by increase its repertory beyond its greatest hits and current pop tunes. He revived many traditional arrangements and distinguished outside arrangers like Benny Carter and Neal Hefti. His goal was to separate the Basie band from other ghost bands by hiring not just ambitious beginners but also experienced soloists who were willing to submerge their own sound and honor the Basie tradition. His own sound was clean, with an attractive, mellow tone; he was best known as a ballad player. The band made several successful recordings under his leadership, including two Grammy winners for best recording by a large jazz ensemble, Live at Manchester Craftsmens Guild (1996) and Count Plays Duke (1998). Grover Mitchell died in August, 2003 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in Manhattan. He was 73 and lived in Manhattan. Reference: The Jazz House 436 State St., Brooklyn NY 11217
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:45:00 +0000
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