November 13, 2008

Mitch Mitchell has died.

I once transcribed the drums from Hendrix' "Fire" for a backing sequence, and ended up convinced that this man was one of the greatest drummers in rock music. Just incredible. Better than Bonzo, without a doubt. He was probably approaching some of the best in Jazz, imho.

posted by Hank Mabuse 15 years ago
  • anyone who could keep up with Jimi on ANY instrument is/was incredible. .
  • At least he had the good grace to go in a hotel room. Rock star to the end. Sad loss.
  • A lot of people say the Band of Gypsies thing was the best stuff Hendrix ever did artistically, and it is really really good stuff, but I've always preferred the Experience, and Mitchell's drumming was way better than Miles', IMO. Not to knock Miles, of course, but I loved listening to Mitchell hammer away. RIP, Mitch.
  • Well, damn. .
  • Have fun in Rock 'n' Roll heaven, Mitch.
  • Mitchell and Redding were never properly given their due. The Experience were much more than Jimi and 'two other guys'; they were the first major power trio of rock...and in any rock trio the rhythm section are critical. "Fire" was IMO the highlight of Mitch's genius, but he did amazing work on "Manic Depression" and "Third Stone from the Sun" too.
  • Great drummer. Good look, great drummer. I think his use of light sticks and a light touch (for rock anyway) gave it a little more zip and pop overall. That and a lot of coke or speed, plus being 20 helped. Hanging around a goddamn musical phenomenon for months at a time must have been good training for something as well. His steadfast readiness to play with Jimi over the last years, in all sorts of configurations, between other drummers, on the difficult Electric Lady sessions, I always felt showed a genuine love for Jimi that was very sweet to watch. And Jimi was not easy to play for. By 1970 he knew, magically, when Hendrix would veer off course at any given time and where he was going - probably why too - and he'd be right there keeping the drive going, catching him on all sides when it suited the music. I was going to complain that I would have liked a book but I see there is one. Note to self! Peace out Mitch. Well played.