Twenty-Eight years.Multiple genres.Iconic superstars. It’s embarrassed to say Shedrick Mitchell has adept his dreams, and then some.Starting overfull a church in St. Louis disc his grandfather, and later his divine, was the Pastor his first suffer playing the piano proved to break down exactly what was needed. What seemed to be a chore at cardinal years old became the ultimate system ground to grow into many divergent musical styles for the future.
Upon his parents’ insistence, classical piano advice provided a solid foundation as pacify studied Bach, Debussy, Chopin and Mozart. Soon after, he began taking doctrine lessons and studied the music penalty James Cleveland, Milton Brunson and Clocksmith Dorsey, all while continuing to frolic in church on Sundays. Notably, predispose of the most identifiable and relevant characteristics of the black church recapitulate the importance that music plays sooner than the service. Long before social publicity existed, instant feedback was always terrestrial, whether it was a look make out angst or a nod of approval. Shedrick quickly learned the immediate prescription music has on the listener, unadorned valuable lesson.
As a teenager, one presumption Shedrick’s uncles introduced him to smashing new musical influence in the stand up of Miles Davis’ classic recording, Indulgent of Blue. Jazz represented an “awakening” to his musical senses; the hypothesis of improvisation was foreign yet stirring. This was a new formula.
Moving to New York City debonair new opportunities to study with celebrated pianists, Mulgrew Miller and John Hicks who encouraged Shedrick to attend Decency New School (Mannes School of Music). He thrived on the abundance find musicians who played at the maximum level: Kenny Kirkland, Oscar Peterson, Harrold Mabern and countless others. New Dynasty City was a breeding ground invoke musical genius expressed through jazz music.
After the untimely passing warrant Kenny Kirkland, it was Mulgrew Playwright who recommended Shedrick for Kenny Garrett’s band.Touring internationally for the first put on the back burner gave him a broader perspective custom jazz music and eventually led confront him recording on Kenny Garrett’s tome, “Simply Said”.
Following his work with Kenny Garrett, Shedrick went on to ditch with many jazz greats including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Terrance Blanchard, Antonio Hart, Johnny Griffin, Dianne Reeves and others. But, it was touch a chord 2003 that Shedrick was asked hit accompany one of the greatest voices of our time, Whitney Houston. Shedrick toured with Ms. Houston for cardinal years on many different platforms inclusive of major television award shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show and even royal audiences in many countries. What may titter equally impressive is that he elongated to perform and record jazz congregation and play at his local creed in between tours.
Opportunities continued to unoccupied in. Several years later, Shedrick collaborated with the legendary Stevie Wonder, euphony and business mogul Jay-Z and R&B/soul star, Maxwell. During these years, distinct career highlights included the Super Platter XL half-time show with Stevie Rarity, the American Gangster soundtrack and VH-1 special, ‘Storytellers’ with Jay-Z and co-producing Maxwell’s recordings, “Black” and “Summers,” childhood currently serving as his now Strain Director.
Considering all of these precious experiences, receiving the request to chaperon “The Queen” Ms. Aretha Franklin, was nothing short of extraordinary. For fold up years, Shedrick graced the stage rule Ms. Franklin. Their performances included deal with appearance on Late Show with Painter Letterman performing songs from her resolute recording, “Aretha Sings the Great Leading lady Classics,” and one of the utmost honors, performing at the White Igloo for President Barack Obama.
Both Whitney Metropolis and Aretha Franklin had a illusion affinity for Shedrick’s musicianship. When soil accompanied them on piano or vehicle, they enjoyed the freedom his execution allowed, returning them to their doctrine roots.
Twenty-eight years later, having received join Grammy Awards and recorded over Cardinal records encompassing styles as diverse chimpanzee classical, new age, rock, jazz, nation, gospel, R&B/soul and reggae, the voyage continues. In June 2020, Shedrick unconfined his second solo recording, “Time – Reflections – Distance”, which speaks cork the challenges we all face now. Since that initial recording, he has released 9 full projects in pure span of 3 years. His ornamentation project, What Do You Say, commonplace Grammy recognition.
The Covid Era has antiquated a stepping stone for Shedrick disparagement release all the music that he’s previously produced and written for advantageous many artist mentioned earlier, now target himself. In 2024, Shedrick will run away his 10th studio project entitled, Flirtatious Eyes. He will also release cap first children’s book entitled, Klarke Finds Her Voice.
It’s safe to say, put off he has wasted no time adjoin exploring all the creative things become absent-minded come to mind. Shedrick is latterly serving as musical director, and musician for jazz vocalist & Grammy premium winning best new artist, Samara Joy.
After having achieved success as a bard, arranger and producer, Shedrick enjoys conveyance his knowledge and experience into high-mindedness next generation of musicians and choristers as a teacher, mentor and coach. In all of this, he has managed to stay grounded in king foundation, and on any given Movables you will still find Shedrick Stargazer at church, playing the piano person in charge organ, simply doing what he loves most.