Pre-Order: This Is Billy Mitchell (Verve Vault Series) [180 Gram]

This Is Billy Mitchell, released in 1962 on Smash Records, highlights tenor saxophonist Billy Mitchell at a career high point, balancing his work as a respected section leader with a growing reputation as a soloist of authority and grace. Mitchell here leads a sextet date that reflects both his Detroit roots and his hard bop credentials. The session features vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, then at the beginning of his career, organist Clarence "Sleepy" Anderson, bassist Herman Wright, drummer Otis Finch, trumpeter Dave Burns and pianist Billy Wallace. Together they deliver a program that combines modern jazz sophistication with soulful drive. Though often overshadowed by flashier contemporaries, Mitchell brought consistency, warmth, and unerring swing to every ensemble he joined. The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.