Robert Mitchell - Little Black Book, Vol.1: Blueprint (Of An Infinite Gift) (2025) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

Diversity is at the heart of pianist, keyboardist, composer, and poet Robert Mitchell’s career. His recent tenure as Artist in Residence at Morley College provided the setting for a new venture that builds on his past legacy while sounding unlike anything he has done before. Drawing inspiration from the heavy fusion of Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth, the psychedelic swagger of Jimi Hendrix, and the fearless multi-media explorations of Cecil Taylor, Little Black Book brings together three bravura players in an uplifting celebration. Laurie Lowe (drums) and Zayn Mohammed (guitar) bring the perfect mix of power, accuracy, and imagination to make the project come alive.

All compositions were written with the trio’s unique blend in mind. Mitchell explains that the word “jazz” can be limiting, while Zayn draws from Middle Eastern, Indian, rock, and blues traditions, and Laurie is one of the most versatile and creative drummers today. Mitchell himself draws from the sounds of Geri Allen, Django Bates, Cecil Taylor, and synth pioneers like D-Train.

“Be the Change” opens with heavy riffing, tight backbeat, and vintage synth tones in a bold statement of intent dedicated to Gandhi and other world changers. By contrast, the title track “Blueprint (Of an Infinite Gift)” features acoustic piano on a swinging paean to peace, building into a wide-ranging guitar solo. “Consensus” and “I Greet the Universe In Person” return to towering riffs and heavy drums, while “Jimi @ Granada” pays tribute to Hendrix’s historic performance at Mitchell’s local South London theatre, now a Bingo Hall. Across these pieces, Zayn’s blistering guitar work and Laurie’s precision shine, while Mitchell’s multiple keyboard textures and improvisations anchor the sound.

Two spoken-word poems, “Peace In Mind” and “Within The Storm,” highlight Mitchell’s measured tones against plangent piano backdrops, adding a distinctive poetic dimension. “Touchstone” nods to Pat Metheny’s fusion legacy, and the closing track “When Will We Let the Light In” is a meditative solo on Fender Rhodes.

Little Black Book lives up to its title’s sense of mystery and promise, opening new vistas of Robert Mitchell’s creativity. Exploring the world of electronic keyboards while taking on multiple roles live in the studio, and working deeply with guitar, Mitchell realises long-held artistic goals. This record is the latest chapter in a story where every instalment grows more intriguing.

Robert Mitchell – piano, Rhodes Mk8, keytar (Roland Ax Edge), narration, MPC Keys 37, composer, poetry, narration
Zayn Mohammed – guitar
Laurie Lowe – drums

Tracklist:
01 The Symbiote
02 Consensus
03 I Greet The Universe (With All Your Person)
04 Blueprint (Of An Infinite Gift)
05 Jimi @ Granada
06 Within The Storm
07 Be The Change
08 Peace In Mind
09 Touchstone
10 When Will We Let The Light In


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