Press

The Denver Post

June 16, 2009

Live review:

by Candace Horgan

"...they sounded tight; the five-piece horn section added great texture to a lot of classic Band songs, including “Rag Mama

Rag,” with a tuba solo by Howard Johnson, and “The Shape I’m In,” sung by organ player Brian Mitchell."

"The covers ranged from a jazzy take on Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate,” sung with scratchy voiced authority by organ

player Brian Mitchell to two Grateful Dead tunes (the scorching “Deep Elum Blues” and “Tennessee Jed”)"

"...and soulful keyboardist Brian Mitchell. Mitchell took Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate" to New Orleans and did it Dr. John

style..."

"Just four songs into Levon Helm's 140-minute performance at a half-capacity Chicago Theatre, the legendary singer-

drummer, best known for his work with The Band, ceded the microphone to keyboardist Brian Mitchell for a woozy, New

Orleans-style waltz through Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate." What followed was a master class..."

"Keyboard and accordion musician Brian Mitchell is a fitting candidate for keeper of the realm of backstage storytelling.

As a heavily sought after studio session man, composer, touring artist, and much in demand music collaborator; he has

naturally assumed the role of fly on the wall to countless backstage vistas."

"You've met the Montas before. Ernie Durawa is a fixture on the Texas-drummer scene, having played with Doug Sahn,

the Texas Tornados, Los Jazz Vatos, and countless others. Brian Mitchell is the first-call keyboardist whose credits include

Bob (Dylan), Al (Green) and Levon (Helm). Add weighty pros Matt Smith, Rich Stanmyre, Aaron Lack, and Joe Morales,

and the scales are tipped."

"Keyboard wizard Brian Mitchell is loads of fun at a party. I say that from firsthand experience, having watched his funky

style and growly vocals elevate the proceedings at a few Midnight Rambles. (He's a member of Levon Helm's band) His

clever songs and swampy groove entice other musicians to ride along, and quite a few do just that on this cool collection of

15 original songs and three convincing covers."

To read more: Elmore Magazine

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Keyboard Magazine

June 2006

Interview with Allen Toussaint

by Brian Mitchell

"Fifty years of music from the heart? Allen Toussaint makes it look easy. From his legendary first solo record in 1958,

The Wild Sound Of New Orleans by "Al Tousan" to his songwriting and production work for Lee Dorsey and Aaron Seville,

and his work on the funk hits of The Meters to his collaborations with Paul Simon, Allen has spread his masterful music far

and wide, and influenced countless musicians over the past half century.

Also well-known for his humanitarian efforts in the community, the New Orleans artist quickly became involved in the

relief effort after the devastating strike of hurricane Katrina. In fact, it was..."

... Brian Mitchell is another musician to keep your eye on at Levon's, (many of you might remember Brian from his days

with the great Walter "Wolfman" Washington) as Brian is now striking out on his own with a solo career, and a brand new

CD titled "Diggin' Up the Roots" which is available at his web site: BrianMitchellMusic.com. Brian's performance at

Levon's was second to none, as he is an extremely gifted and creative pianist, with deep roots from his hometown of

NOLA, this cat can hang with the best of them, and Brian received several standing ovations during his intense piano

attacks on this very special night, his band is also of high caliber musicians as well. So put Brian Mitchell on your watch

list (he gigs around the NYC area) and if you can catch him as part of the Levon Helm band in Woodstock- you will not be

disappointed.

To read more: Big City Blues

For more info about the Levon's "Midnight Ramble" go to: Levonhelm.com And if you go to NYBluesandJazz.org find out how you can win a ticket to

one of the now legendary Levon Helm's "Midnight Ramble's."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++