Dennis Mitchell Band fills lounges across country,
creates smokin' hot CD 'Highway Kind of Life'
Musician Dennis Mitchell grew up admiring his brother Mike Mitchell, who was one of the original Kingsmen. The two always talked about their hope of actually playing together at some point. When, after 42 years, Barry Curtis decided to retire from the Kingsmen in 2005, Dennis jumped at the chance to fill the spot.
Dennis Mitchell, Todd McPherson, Mike Mitchell (photo by Kim Taylor)
A year later, the brothers formed The Dennis Mitchell Band so they would have the opportunity to play the vast number of original songs Dennis had written. The Dennis Mitchell Band also features long time-friend and bass player Todd McPherson, with Brian Johnsen on drums and Steve Miller on keyboards.
After two years of filling lounges throughout the Northwest and a few other states, The Dennis Mitchell Band went into studio and produced a rockin' CD titled Highway Kind of Life. In mid-November, the group kicked off its CD release celebration with an appearance at Music Millennium on East Burnside and 32nd Avenue. Playing to a standing-room-only crowd, which included many local greats like Terry Robb, they performed a set of original tunes, along with a couple of covers.
Brian Johnsen (photo by Kim Taylor)
The band is smoking hot with great vocals and some of the sweetest dual guitar licks since the early Allman Brothers days. Add sizzling good keyboard chops by Miller and solid bass and drums from McPherson and Johnsen and it's easy to see why these guys are always smiling on stage.
For the in-store show at Millennium, the band added a few tasty horns. A few days later on Saturday night, they packed the lounge at the Wilsonville Holiday Inn. For more on that, see Notes on a Napkin.
In the next few months, The Dennis Mitchell Band will be touring to support and promote the new CD. You can check out their future schedule here in Positively Entertainment, or on their website www.dennismitchelband.com.
In early 2009, The Kingsmen will be back on the road for a European Tour. Dennis says that tour could be followed by a really extensive tour here in the states. The guys are working on something big with a well-known celebrity's production staff. All the "Ts" should be cross and the "Is" dotted in a few months, so look for the big announcement.
Steve Miller (photo by Kim Taylor)
As far as the new CD is concerned, it's great. The band had the support of several local musicians. Saxophonist Kerry Campbell sat in on a few tracks. Kingsmen keyboard player Kim Nicklaus laid down some flavorful tracks and Satellite Malone, who looks and sounds a lot like Curtis Salgado, played harmonica. The new CD Highway Kind of Life is available at Music Millennium, and soon it'll be at all the usual on-line stores like Amazon, and digitally at Napster, I Tunes, Rhapsody and dozens more.
Not your typical classic rock and blues band, The Dennis Mitchell Band takes rock rhythms, adds a bit of Texas blues, a touch of jazz and hint of swing to create their own unique sound. While their sound may make you think of a cover band, they are not. They are tight, rockin' and hard-hitting. They pour out large doses of originals that feel like Johnny Winter, ZZ Top and top-notch early rock groups, including the Kingsmen.
The stage show is highly polished. These guys are long-time professional musicians. The members of the band all come from legends of rock on the local and national scene. Mike Mitchell was mentioned as an original Kingsmen. When Dennis joined the Kingsmen, so did McPherson. Those two played together in No Ties. Miller plays a Hammond B3 with Leslie speakers. If you like organ, you know this sound well. Johnsen has played drums for rock greats like Pat Travers, Meredith Brooks, Airborne and Bachman Turner Overdrive.
In the group's brief two-year history, The Dennis Mitchell Band has already developed a large following in the Northwest; with the release of Highway Kind of Life, the band says, "We're shooting for national exposure." They've been working on some great new stuff and will be releasing a music video. Many radio stations should be playing their new CD soon, which features 13 all-original songs including the title track.
The consummate professional, Dennis is always appreciative of his crew. He readily points out the importance of sound tech Doug Lampkin, lighting technician Scott Kindt (who is also their studio sound engineer) and their video director Hunter Richardson. Put it all together and it's one high-level production. Add to that the energy and genuine smiles of joy on both Dennis and McPherson, and it's hard not to feel good and in-the-groove. With the three of them sharing center stage, the vibe is highly contagious, and there may be no cure.
The Dennis Mitchell Band is comfortable playing small club venues, as well as large festival shows. Last year, they performed at both the Rose Festival at Waterfront Park and the Washington County Fair. By this time next year, they will have added over 100 other venues to that list. So, if you want to see Portland’s next rising star, check out The Dennis Mitchell Band sometime soon 'cause next spring they'll be earning Euros.
