George Mitchell
George Mitchell has been pop superstar Diana Ross’ first-call pianist for more than two decades. Since 1980, he has accompanied her musical ensemble performing internationally… playing hundreds of concerts all over the world…as well as extensive touring throughout the United States.
Mitchell’s keyboard talents were featured in command performances for the Queen of England, and more recently at Super Concerts in Taipei and Japan, with Ms. Ross and renowned opera singers Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo.
He has made numerous appearances as an ensemble player on top-rated television and radio shows, including: The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, NBC’s Today Show and Oprah.
When not touring, Mitchell pursues his first love…playing jazz piano, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards. He also is a highly sought-after studio musician and jazz piano instructor.
From an early age, the Portland, Oregon native displayed a musical maturity and talent that landed him engagements with jazz legends such as Sonny Stitt, Philly Jo Jones, Richie Cole, Eddie Harris, Jon Hendricks and Kirk Whalum.
Closer to home, he lends his musical voice to all jazz styles, and is the keyboardist of choice for virtually every Northwest band leader from drum masters Mel Brown and Ron Steen, to leading vocalists Nancy King and Marilyn Keller. He has been pianist for the Dan Balmer Trio for more than a decade, and is the featured B-3 organ player for Saxophobia, a jazz quartet featuring saxophone impresarios John Gross and Warren Rand.
In 2003, Mitchell released his long-awaited second CD Play Zone--a collection of refreshing, original compositions and jazz standards. It showcases Mitchell’s unique styling, and features several of Portland’s best jazz artists. In 2004, he was featured on the Ten Grandsconcert CD, a lively compilation of top pianists from around the USA. Mitchell’s 1997 recording, Perspectives, features all original songs in the classic jazz quartet.
It goes without saying…George Mitchell is not only one of the most talented and well-respected musicians around, but one of the busiest! For upcoming play dates, visit his website:
www.georgemitchellmusic.com
george mitchell music . 503-239-5223 . 503-230-0129 fax
Performance Highlights
International & National Appearances
2004 Forever U.S.A. tour with the Diana Ross band
2004 This is It! European tour with Diana Ross ensemble
2004 Ten Grands concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
2004 Ladies of Jazz concert with the Portland Symphony Orchestra
2003 Artists for the Arts benefit
2002 appeared with Diana Ross at a command concert for Prince Charles in Hyde Park, London.
2001 private benefit and farewell salute to Bill Clinton in Los Angeles.
2001 private performance in Los Angeles honoring Motown founder Berry Gordy.
2000 VH1 Divas Live from Madison Square Garden, New York, NY.
2000 appearances on the Oprah show and The Today Show’s Music in RockefellerCenterFriday concert.
1999 Black Entertainment Television tribute to Diana Ross.
1983 Central Park Concert with Diana Ross and record-setting 800,000 in attendance.
Motown 25 concert in Los Angeles saluting the greats of soul music.
1980 Royal Command Performance for the Queen of England and Royal Family.
Available Recordings
2004 Ten Grands MAH Records
2003 Play Zone OriginArts, OA2 Records
1997 Perspectives PHD, Lyran Music BMI
Artists Accompanied
Sonny Stitt, Diane Schuur, Eddie Harris, Philly Joe Jones, Ingrid Jensen, Kirk Whalum Richie Cole, Bernard Purdy, Kai Winding, Dee Daniels, Leroy Vinnegar, Jane Manheit Jon Hendricks, Smokie Robinson, Mariah Carey, Ink Spots, Stevie Wonder, Sheila E. Melissa Walker, Patrick O’Hearn, Tom Netherton, and many others!
Accolades!
“We wanted to tell you about George Mitchell, who holds the ensemble together with some classic Hammond styling…” --Keyboard Magazine“It was George Mitchell’s bright acoustic piano that carried the evening.” --The Oregonian
“‘Play Zone’ is an extraordinarily fine recording by George Mitchell’s band. I only wish the group was working regularly so folks could enjoy it at will.” --The Skanner