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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"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
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
Joe Lovano
saxophoneSonny Rollins
saxophoneSonny Stitt
saxophoneMichael Brecker
saxophone, tenorJohn Coltrane
saxophoneJohnny Griffin
saxophone, tenorJoe Henderson
saxophoneCharles Mingus
bass, acousticThelonious Monk
pianoPhotos
Upcoming
Albums
Rachel
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Bling Tone
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Via Dance
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Sarah
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Omicron
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Waltz For Tai
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Genghis Kant
From: Golden RuleBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Recount
From: Nevermind The CircusBy Dennis Mitcheltree
Mosinee Mayhem
From: UnionBy Dennis Mitcheltree