Blue Mitchell’s self titled album was originally released on the Mainstream label in 1971. It was his second for the label. It kicks off with a strong interpretation of Walter Bishop’s ‘Soul Village. Bishop is on piano for the session. ‘Mr Hermano’ is a fine Latin influenced groove whilst ‘Blues For Thelma’ and ‘Are You Real’ are Soul Jazz/ post Bop workouts. Throughout Mitchell’s rich and warm tone to his trumpet is a joy.
Track listings:
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01 Soul Village by Blue Mitchell
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02 Blues For Thelma by Blue Mitchell
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03 Queen Bey by Blue Mitchell
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04 Are You Real by Blue Mitchell
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05 Mi Hermano by Blue Mitchell
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19 Mi Hermano by Blue Mitchell
Pete (verified owner) –
Am I glad I bought this CD. I had not previously come across Blue Mitchell as a band leader but this is a top class presentation. The album may only play for just over half an hour but I enjoyed every second of it. Mitchell is from the bebop tradition. On this album there are significant influences from hard rock with a hint of soul. On the CD Mitchell is credited as the writer of four of five tracks (Are You Real is shown as a Golsen/Mihanovich composition) and I will be looking for more of Mitchell’s work as a band leader.