Mitch Mitchell, R.I.P.

The death of Mitch Mitchell this week means Billy Cox is the only remaining Hendrix sideman of note. Jimi had four group configurations during the years of his success. Noel Redding played bass from the forming of the Experience in 1966 through the end of the Spring ’69 tour when he quit the band after the Denver show. Billy Cox, an old army buddy of Jimi’s, was the replacement bassist and stayed until Jimi’s accidental death in September of the following year. Mitch was the drummer for all four years with the exception of the Band of Gypsies period from the Fall of ’69 though early January when Buddy Miles played drums. Miles also died this year. Mitch joined the Experience Hendrix tour this Fall but from what I heard, he played rarely or made a few appearances. 

Mitch was a jazz drummer who liked to move around his set with lots of rolls and fills. A contrast to Miles, who was notable for a rock solid pounding beat, Mitchell’s busy style was perfect for Jimi’s frenetic sound. For Mitch’s shining moment check out side 3 of Electric Ladyland, released 40 years ago this month, for Jimi’s opus 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be). Mitch is incredible on this track.