Late Spring – Leon Mitchell

This medium swinger from a little-known Philadelphia composer perfectly captures the hard-hitting groove of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. First and second parts are available.

Leon Mitchell

born on August 16, 1934

Leon Mitchell is a Philadelphia-based composer, arranger and alto saxophonist. After graduating high school, Leon studied alto saxophone under giants like Jimmy Heath and Bill Barron, but soon focused his talents on composition and arranging. In 1956, Leon had his first success when Late Spring was recorded by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He also worked subcontracting arranging from Gigi Gryce. In 1959, Leon's composition To Lady (written in memory of the recently passed Billie Holiday) was recorded by Max Roach. During the early 1960s, Leon worked as an A&R Director of Blue Note records—the first person to take on the position who was not signed as an artist. Read more...

1 song available.