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Artist Profiles
Mitch Mitchell: In Memoriam
Gary Gomes
Gary Gomes, musical explorer. metaphysicianAfter Hendrix' death, Mitchell linked up with Larry Coryell, Jack Bruce and keyboardist Mike Mandel for a short lived group (his drumming style becoming more Baker-esque with this band. He had also played with John Lennon on the Rolling Stones "Rock and Roll Circus" and with various performers (including Emerson) on the Music from Free Creek album.
The next big activity he was involved with was Ramatam, featuring virtuoso female guitarist April Lawton. Response was lukewarm and Mitchell, although active musically, was not visible—like Brian Davison, of the Nice, he suffered from being a superior talent associated with a superstar, but who had been left behind by a group disbanding, albeit this time because of an accidental death (the only person I can think of who pulled this off was Dave Grohl of Nirvana, and now Foo Fighters—but he had to change instruments!).
Mitchell did help Alan Douglas in the controversial posthumous Hendrix recordings, and in recent years was involved with both the Hendrix Estate and Experience Hendrix. From what I understand, his playing still retained the spark and creativity of the old days. There is also a great report of how he kept playing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, well in excess of time constraints, much to the managers' chagrin, but to the delight of fans.
A superlative, extraordinarily creative drummer, who did much to change the face of rock drumming, Mitch Mitchell will be sorely missed.
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