Listen & tracks

2 of 10 tracks have a preview · 10 works · 56:46

1 Big Kid Pete Mitchell 4:40
2 The Prowler Pete Mitchell 4:52
3 Flute Song Vic Mitchell 6:45
4 Hey Groover! Pete Mitchell 4:50
5 Subdued Pete Mitchell 4:28
6 Song Without Words Pete Mitchell 7:09
7 Running Rampant Pete Mitchell 4:25
8 Egyptian Albino Pete Mitchell 8:29
9 Surgeon Hookey Pete Mitchell 6:04
10 Termination Pete Mitchell 5:04

It's different … it's fresh … maybe even quirky?

With all but one track composed by Pete himself, the programme moves from groove-oriented funky jazz through haunting atmosphere to easy-listening modern jazz, often with a comical twist. There is a beautiful ballad with delicate improvisations, a wild fast number, eastern colour, a samba, and a trick or two.

Pete plays soprano, alto and baritone saxophones (sometimes two at once), backed by leading Melbourne musicians and teachers. The regular quartet brings Jack Pantazis on guitar, Michael Rochford on drums and Andrew Albanis on double bass. Live they leave a strong mark, as one Stamford Plaza listener put it: “Thank you for your beautiful music. I wish I could have stayed for more. As an avid jazz fan it was great to hear such a fantastic live performance. Thank you!”

On four tracks they are joined by jazz pianist Enio Pozzebon and internationally celebrated drummer David Jones.

A delightful, and sometimes amusing, debut.

Reviews

strong melodies ... vibrant solo work ★★★★

— Chris Copas, The Star

If you enjoy that wonderful, funky, soulful feeling in your music, well you'll want to have a copy of [Pete Mitchell's] new CD...

— Steve Robertson, PBS FM - Jazz on Saturday

a sense of fun ... carries through on all the numbers, even as the instrumentation changes ... Pete Mitchell has developed his own style, one based on audience involvement, technical mastery and personal musical statements.

— Bill Donaldson, Cadence Magazine, USA

a very good band doing very good things

— Roy Johnson, PBS FM - Bitches Brew

an impressive debut ... Pete is clearly a talented composer ... has a great baritone sound ... a fine CD ... which very effectively demonstrates his substantial playing, writing and arranging skills

— Simon Moodie, Clasax

a gutsy and funky album debut ... a refreshing 10 track collection of original works ... Great energy!

— Debra Lea Morrice, JazzEnews.com

a tight debut album ... well played and produced ... comprehensive sleeve notes give the background to the compositions which adds to their overall enjoyment.

— Don Brow, Jazz Scene

jazz with a twist to tickle senses ... a diverse range ... many with comical deviations that will amuse listeners.

— Monash Journal

[Pete] has a very, very nice big sound!

— Mark Freeman, PBS FM - Grits n' Gravy

great music to bonk to.

— Justine Jones, PBS FM - Groovoire

brilliant!

— Martin Leslie, 3MBS FM

a great CD!

— Owen McKern, 3RRR - Deliverance

a very, very good CD

— Roger Clark, Dizzy's Big Band leader

Artists

Pete Mitchell Quartet

ensemble

David Jones

drums

David Jones is one of the most innovative and musical drummers in the world. He has toured nationally and internationally, performing and recording across rock, pop, jazz, classical, ambient, world music, cabaret, theatre, television and improvised works.

Enio Pozzebon

piano

Pianist Enio Pozzebon has been a composer, performer and teacher in Melbourne's vibrant music scene for over fifteen years. He has performed throughout Australia in a variety of genres and settings.

Pete Mitchell

composer

Pete Mitchell is a talented Melbourne-based soprano/alto/tenor/baritone saxophonist whos various duos, trios and quartets have played at many corporate, private and public events around town. Recently, he has played with Bomba and occupied the bari sax chair in the Dizzy's house big band.