How did this new album and over all concept come about? and whats your ultimate goal with it?
It's been my life's dream to have a cd out on the market and through the success of my stage show in japan, I was given the chance to record my cd/dvd live and i jumped at the opportunity. My cd/dvd RON MITCHELL"jazzy me" live in japan was recorded live in kagoshima, japan at LILETH'S Live Jazz House.
My goal was to be myself and to be as raw and real as i could with my project. With so much tech things out now days real music sounds so good.
How would you decribe what inspires you to do what you do?
What inspires me is the creative freedom and the emotions and messages explored in the music.
What elements do you look for in a song that makes it especially satisfying for you to perform?
If the lyrics and the melody touch me i want to sing it... good lyrics and melody.
Who would you say has been your biggest influence in your life in getting to where you are in your career?
The biggest influence in my life is Motown Records. I worked with a few of the great motown artist of yesterday as an opening act, background singer and as duet with KIM WESTON. I learned a lot about the business of music but also I learned about self presentation as well as performance on stage and yes the things i was taught i still use today.
Going back as far as you can remember, what song or performance is the first you recall hearing and being affected by?
I was in high school and on a late night TV show I saw and heard NANCY WILSON singing TEACH ME TONIGHT. She sang in a whisper with a band (trio)... such control I could feel her through the TV. It felt so good. The performance change my way of thinking. It opened my mind to creativity.
What would you say are your top Dessert Island classic albums regardless of genre. The album you turn to time after time for your personal enjoyment and inspiration?
my personal Dessert Island pics are........
shirley horn - heres to life
joe sample - carmel
donnie - the colored section
roy hargrove - approaching standards
rahsaan patterson - after hours
sade - the lady sings
sadao watanabe - selected
