Frank Mitchell (musician)

Frank Mitchell (c.1945–c.1971) was a New York jazz tenor saxophonist who worked with Art Blakey and Lee Morgan before being murdered at the age of 27.

Born in The Bronx, after studying at the New York High School of Music and Arts, Mitchell's first professional work was at the age of 19, with Art Blakey, when he joined the New Jazz Messengers. The line-up, comprising Blakey, Mitchell, Chuck Mangione, Keith Jarrett, and Reggie Johnson,^[1][2] had a month-long residency at the Five Spot Café in December 1965, before going on to The Lighthouse nightclub in Hermosa Beach, California, where they recorded the live album, Buttercorn Lady, at the beginning of 1966.^[3]

Mitchell briefly led his own band for a John Coltrane memorial concert shortly after Coltrane died,^[1] and then went on to become a member of a quintet led by Lee Morgan, with Cedar Walton, Victor Sproles, Billy Higgins, a line-up that Jackie McLean sat in with for a Blue Note recording released in 1970.^[1] Mitchell was replaced by George Coleman in summer 1969.^[1]

Discography

• 1966: Buttercorn Lady (Limelight 82034) – Art Blakey and the New Jazz Messengers
• 1966: Hold On, I'm Coming – Art Blakey
• 1970: The Sixth Sense – Lee Morgan Quintet with Jackie McLean (Blue Note BN 84335)

References