although i play the drums a bit..i'm not a drummer..so i can't debate drumming in technical terms.. but i think this guy is an inspired player..and , aside from Jimi..was the other major contributer to the overall "Hendrix sound".. his drumming just blows me away..and i'm yet to see another one like him..

I dig Mitchell. You can hear the influence of Elvin Jones in his playing. Mitchell is one of my favorites, but as far as rock drumming goes John Bonham is at the top of the list for me. Two different styles. Mitchell was more jazz influenced, Bonham's playing was more funk influenced. And that right foot of Bonham's... ... if you hear his playing without listening you'll miss the subtleties. I think Mitchell was perfect for Jimi though.

Some of my favorite Mitch tracks:
"Manic Depression" - his drumming is equally as compelling as Hendrix's playing. And I have a thing for great sounding Ride Cymbals.

"Fire" - manic. Like someone just let Mitch out of his cage.

"Stone Free" - God, I LOVE this song. It reeks of COOL. And I like cowbells if used right, and it's used right. Nothing complicated, just perfect. Speaking of "Stone Free," ever notice how the intro is the same intro on "EXP" from Axis: Bold As Love?

"Up From The Skies" - Mitch is fluttering away with the brushes on the kit on this song. If you get taken away by Jimi's wah wah (easy to do) you might miss it.

"Gyspy Eyes" - doesn't have to be complicated, just groove. This one does. Nice production job on getting the kick drum up front.

"Message To The Universe (Message To Love)" - tasty tom toms/rim shots and ride/crash cymbals on this one. You gotta listen, it's not in your face.

"Pali Gap"- ...I could put this on loop and play it over, and over, and over, and over...to get a better picture of the bass drum listen with headphones. It's almost Bonhamesque.

I notice Mitch always sounded better with Billy Cox playing bass for Jimi. Noel Redding was an average bassist (Jimi was more accomplished on bass than Redding), Billy seemed to always hold it together better, and was a more interesting player. That's always better for a drummer anyway.

Supernova said:

i totally agree with you about Bonham... and i also prefer Billy Cox's bass playing..maybe because Redding was a guitarist who jumped on bass to get the gig..

Why hasn't Mitch done anything much since Jimi? I don't get that. He could've been leading his own jazz/ rock band or something for years by now. A real shame.

I agree about John Bonham. Probably the best rock drummer ever, and real funky at times too.

Also, Billy Cox, one of the most underated bass players - I don't know how versatile he is, but listen to those grooves he and Buddy Miles are laying down on 'Band of Gypsies'. Too bad!

Supernova said:

On the Winterland live album there's the ultimate version of Manic Depression... The Best (only?) Heavy Rock Waltz ever!!

mitch was jimi's best drummer!

Buddy wasn't bad but his ego was bigger than his style..