Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
The life of a left handed pianist can’t be easy but for an intrigued audience gathered at the Capstone Theatre in Liverpool and watching eagerly but with quiet reverence Robert Mitchell perform on stage, the opinion was almost too easy, he is a very talented man and a legend in the Jazz world in the making.
As part of the Capstone Theatre’s 1st International Jazz festival, Robert Mitchell took a different approach to those following on soon after in the building and had his audience witnessing this interesting way of playing to a crowd and certainly one of the major instruments at the genre’s disposal. With the lecture theatre floor at his command and a patient crowd that had filed in to the venue with a bullish and enthusiastic attitude, Robert Mitchell kicked the usual Saturday malaise that comes from a busy week into touch and thrilled those attending this important festival with piano pieces from his new album The Glimpse, which was recorded inside the Capstone Theatre, and a well selected piece by Federico Mompou.
Robert’s remarkable status has seen him make the well-deserved climb up the Jazz ladder and now stands as one of this country’s most enjoyable musicians in the genre. That remarkable talent was very much in evidence as he performed delicate and outrageously good pieces such as the album’s title track, the beautiful Lullaby (no. 1) to which he dedicated to his daughter, Pure, A Confession, The Sage and a wonderful piece titled Zuni Lore which is named after a native American/Indian tribe who venerate left-handedness. It was an inspiring and very cool to watch, the genre defining word which can be overused but in Robert Mitchell is more than deserved; it is a condition that few people should attain.
There was also more time for Mr. Mitchell to have some fun with the audience as he got a select few to hum a bar or a note and he provided with these notes with an excellent improvised home in which to take roost in. A rare feat to do of the top of your head but in which Robert excelled!
Mr. Mitchell and his piano provided an afternoon of music which as part of the International Jazz festival will take a lot to top.
Ian D. Hall