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Dennis Mitcheltree

Saxophonist/composer Dennis Mitcheltree’s new recording, his sixth as a leader, Golden Rule, is one brimming with humanity. The music celebrates family, lost friends, his major inspirations (including tenor giants John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and others), and speaks directly to our shared journey through life, and the imperative to treat each other with love, respect, trust and dignity – in short – to treat others as you wish to be treated. The music on Golden Rule is a reflection of that notion. It also swings like mad and engages the listener with nine wonderfully crafted compositions from Mitcheltree.

“The long arc of humanity bends upward towards cooperation,” says Mitcheltree. That is exemplified in his ensemble, which features pianist Johannes Wallmann, bassist Jesse Crawford and drummer Bill McClellan. The quartet has been playing music together for several decades, and, “have become personally simpatico and musically empathetic. We’ve toured the world and working together is never a struggle as we trust each other on a deep and instinctual level. The Golden Rule is followed when we play music - treating each other as we wish to be treated: with respect, freedom, and joy,” explains Mitcheltree. He continues, “in collaboration each musician brings their individuality to the music and allowing them to do so makes the music better. When I embrace my bandmate’s contributions I find that the music can go places I hadn’t imagined. We have our own individual lives and projects, but when we perform together a unique entity is formed. What we create together is more powerful and beautiful than any single contribution.”

Mitcheltree has performed and recorded with masters of the jazz world: Clark Terry, Billy Taylor, George Cables, Bill Holman, Bob Moses, Jim McNeely, Howard Johnson, Gary Bartz, Kenny Werner, James Williams, Don Sickler, Charli Persip, Ronnie Matthews, Pete Yellin, Richie Cole, Bill Holman, Pete Christlieb, Doug Webb, Carl Saunders, Joe Labarbera, John Clayton, Christian Jacob and Bruce Forman along with contemporaries Uri Caine, Ingrid Jensen, Johannes Wallmann, Andy Milne and David Binney.

The saxophonist and composer was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Starting on oboe at the age of 12 and picking up the baritone sax for his school jazz band, Mitcheltree was interested in music from the outset. By the time he was in high school he concentrated exclusively on the tenor saxophone and discovering the rich history of jazz.

Turning down a scholarship to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music's Jazz Program, Mitcheltree headed to the East Coast, choosing to enroll at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There he met like-minded students and could be found in the ensemble rooms of the college working on his music on a daily basis. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in performance in 1987, and then made the move to New York.

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Tags

"Mitcheltree's tenor is soulful, swinging, and street smart." Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

"Inside you'll find discipline, history, and a whole lot of heart."John Barrett, JazzUSA.com

" ...Mitcheltree's performance was a triumph..." Chuck Berg, Topeka Capital- Journal

"He is a master storyteller with the tenor sax..." Jared Donze, Iowa City Icon

"...the saxophonist is aggressively adventurous and most expressive...Mitcheltree evokes hearty tones from his instrument as he masterfully interweaves unexpected lines to create fascinating sound tapestries at any tempo." Nancy Ann Lee, Jazz Times

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Primary Instrument

Saxophone, tenor

Location

Los Angeles

Credentials/Background

25 years as a teacher/clinician worldwide...Saxophone & woodwinds, any instrument for jazz improvisation/composition lessons, a New York City resident for 20 years, now based in the Los Angeles area. Video lessons also available via Skype. Available hours vary, contact [email protected] or 213-373-4729 for latest info. $85/hour lesson, discounts for weekly lessons paid by the month in advance. Berklee College of Music Magna Cum Laude graduate, Professional Performance Major, 1987. Studied with Joe Viola, Joe Lovano, Billy Pierce, George Garzone, Ralph Lalama and Jim McNeely.

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Joe Lovano
saxophone
Sonny Rollins
saxophone
Sonny Stitt
saxophone
Michael Brecker
saxophone, tenor
John Coltrane
saxophone
Johnny Griffin
saxophone, tenor
Joe Henderson
saxophone
Charles Mingus
bass, acoustic

Photos

Upcoming

Mar 22 Fri

$10

Albums

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Golden Rule

Dengor Music
2022

buy

Nevermind The Circus

Dengor Music
2021

buy

Tenor Of The...

dennismitcheltree.com
2006

buy

Tenor Of The...

dennismitcheltree.com
2006

buy

Union

dennismitcheltree.com
2004

buy

Transformation

Altenburgh Jazz
1998

buy

Rachel

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Bling Tone

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Via Dance

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Sarah

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Omicron

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Waltz For Tai

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Genghis Kant

From: Golden Rule
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Recount

From: Nevermind The Circus
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Mosinee Mayhem

From: Union
By Dennis Mitcheltree

Videos

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