Meet the Grammy Nominated Jazz Drummer they call "Blaque Dynamite"
The Texas Native is unstoppable
Jazz music is often described as the purest expression of democracy, a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. In this world, few have shined as bright as the jazz drummer Mike Mitchell, known affectionally in the music circles as "Blaque Dynamite." The drumming phenom has been honing his craft since the tender age of two years old, and has since raked in a number of awards and accolades along the way. Following in the path of legends like Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Roy Haynes, Blaque Dynamite is the recipient of a whopping 14 Downbeat Music Awards. His explosive talent is evident in his latest project, 2017's "Killing Bugs." Let him tell it though, the projects that he has in the works are even crazier.[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://grittyvibes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_9501.mp4"][/video]Despite discovering his gift early on in life, it wasn't until Blaque Dynamite hit adolescence that he truly began to comprehend the art form itself. "I actually got introduced to jazz as a 10 year old but didn’t understand it, 14 was the age I stared to study seriously because of my school," He says. "I honestly believe that me studying that form so early had a major impact on wanting to create my own music and be a band leader." He honed his talents at the renowned Booker T Washington High School, which has produced names such as Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and Roy Hargrove. In 2012, he was selected to perform with the iconic Herbie Hancock at the International Jazz Day. Not long after, he was holding down the drums for virtuoso Stanley Clarke, for which he was nominated for a Grammy. Blaque Dynamite was already working alongside Jazz legends, while most teens were still picking out a tux for prom.
"I honestly believe that me studying that form so early had a major impact on wanting to create my own music and be a band leader."
Fast forward to present day, Blaque Dynamite is making his claim to the throne of Jazz drummers in this generation. After his debut album "Wifi", he dropped "Killing Bugs" with a specific purpose in mind. "It's for people that are underexposed to 'jazz' music," He says. "When most young people that think of jazz, think of boring old music that no cares about because that’s what’s unfortunately broadcasted the most. My message to the people is that jazz is something that is constantly changing and constantly staying current." We're sure his upcoming solo album and trio record will further drive his message home to the youth. When it does, we'll be able to firmly say that the Dallas Native is the illest Jazz drumer doing it.
Bonus: We asked Blaque Dynamite to put together a dream band. Here's what who he went with:
Myselfthundercat -basscory henry- organ and shitherbie hancock- rhoads and shitallan holdsworth - guitar RIPfrank moka -percussionchristian scott -trumpet someone crazy on bass clarinet ELENA -flute joel ross- vibes zachardi cortez, duran barner, and nikki ross on vocals