Bio
Born on a hot LA summer day, in the backseat of his musician parents’ Buick Century, Jamel Mitchell arrived on his own terms. His father, the late James Mitchell, baritone saxophonist for the world-renowned Memphis Horns, encouraged his son to pursue a similar but more prescriptive yet individualized path. A graduate of Memphis’ Overton High School for the Performing Arts, Jamel honed his natural talent under the helm of seasoned professionals turned academics. Accepting a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Jamel went on to achieve a BA and MA in Jazz Performance, studying with Jerry Coker, Donald Brown and Greg Tardy.
An avid and passionate performer, Jamel’s sound is distinctly rooted in generational infused timbre and authenticity. During his captivating performances, you will hear the expertise and investment of all of those Jamel encountered along the way, equally balanced with his individual flavor. As a child, Jamel sought to emulate his father’s work ethic and quality which help build the Memphis sound of his Uncle Willie Mitchell’s Royal Recording Studio. The village that help craft Jamel’s unique sound extended beyond the Mitchell family to the larger global music community. Jamel has worked with numerous influential artists throughout his career, including, Jerry Douglas, Tyler Perry, Tamela and David Mann, Larry Carlton, Donald Brown, The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Five Plus Six, Ann Peebles, The Hi Rhythm Section, William Bell, Otis Clay, and Bobby Rush to name a few. Jamel was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2018 for his work on the album "What If" with The Jerry Douglas Band in the best contemporary instrumental music category.
The prescriptive path has led Jamel to continually share his talent with the world, as he embarks on his career as a musician. Jamel is presently based in Atlanta, GA.
An avid and passionate performer, Jamel’s sound is distinctly rooted in generational infused timbre and authenticity. During his captivating performances, you will hear the expertise and investment of all of those Jamel encountered along the way, equally balanced with his individual flavor. As a child, Jamel sought to emulate his father’s work ethic and quality which help build the Memphis sound of his Uncle Willie Mitchell’s Royal Recording Studio. The village that help craft Jamel’s unique sound extended beyond the Mitchell family to the larger global music community. Jamel has worked with numerous influential artists throughout his career, including, Jerry Douglas, Tyler Perry, Tamela and David Mann, Larry Carlton, Donald Brown, The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Five Plus Six, Ann Peebles, The Hi Rhythm Section, William Bell, Otis Clay, and Bobby Rush to name a few. Jamel was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2018 for his work on the album "What If" with The Jerry Douglas Band in the best contemporary instrumental music category.
The prescriptive path has led Jamel to continually share his talent with the world, as he embarks on his career as a musician. Jamel is presently based in Atlanta, GA.