What Do You Say?
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The pianist, producer, composer and bandleader Shedrick Mitchell surrounds himself with very esteemed company here, where blues, jazz and gospel are meshed into a very articulate and exciting listen.
“The Truth The Way The Light” opens the listen with warm keys and frisky percussion as Immanuel Wilkins’ soulful sax makes quite an impression in the graceful jazz climate, and “What Do You Say” follows with Aaron Marcellus’ expressive singing guiding the R&B influenced landscape.
“EADB” lands in the middle and moves playfully with swift and dynamic interaction between the keys, drums, and guitar, while “The Don Medley” trims the pace back with balladry in a very poetic, gorgeous display.
Moving towards the end, “Black Lives Matter” injects soundbites into a more dramatic piece that welcomes powerful words from Oswin Benjamin, and “Human Kin” exits the listen with Thaddaeus Tribbett’s strategic bass, and vocals from Helen White and Marcellus populating the rhythmic and melodic closer.
Mitchell has appeared on over 200 recordings in the last 25 years, and he brings much experience and skill to this improvised and highly technical outing that truly puts an inimitable spin on jazz.
Travels well with: Roswell Rudd & Duck Baker- Live; Cecil Taylor- The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert