In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

LA Mitchell: Debut

Lauren Anne (LA) Mitchell graduated from the Christchurch School of Jazz in 2004, releasing a promising EP. These experiences have led to the recording of ‘Debut’, collaboration with Oakley Grenell, and remixes from The Nomad, and Hamish Clark (Breaks Co-Op). ‘Debut’ is full of smoothly flowing soul and jazz infused tracks, with hypnotic grooves from drummer Arona Vaele and bassist Tim Timo underpinning the melodies. Blessed Be opens with an unadorned drum and vocal line, blooming into a fuller piece that adds to the groove. The fascinating rhythms continue with Indifferent, and Just a Girl From a Small Town, a track with the added allure of well-placed dissonant harmonies. Never Wear White If You’re a Dirty Person changes the pace: eschewing the beats for piano background and jazz-inspired vocal melody. The musical backing, the songs and Mitchell’s lovely, expressive voice blend to produce a very enjoyable listening experience, without vocal histrionics distracting the listener. This is an adept debut record, Mitchell sounds like she has been recording for year, and obvious comparisons with Hollie Smith are unfair - Mitchell is distinctive and talented. ‘Debut’ was self-produced, mixed by Daimon Schwalger (The Nomad) at Fresh Audio, with distribution by Rhythmethod.