Bio
Twenty-Eight years.Multiple genres.Iconic superstars. It’s safe to say Shedrick Mitchell has accomplished his dreams, and then some.Starting in a church in St. Louis where his grandfather, and later his father, was the Pastor his first experience playing the piano proved to be exactly what was needed. What seemed to be a chore at nine years old became the ultimate training ground to grow into many different musical styles for the future.
Upon his parents’ insistence, classical piano lessons provided a solid foundation as he studied Bach, Debussy, Chopin and Mozart. Soon after, he began taking gospel lessons and studied the music of James Cleveland, Milton Brunson and Thomas Dorsey, all while continuing to play in church on Sundays. Notably, one of the most identifiable and valuable characteristics of the black church is the importance that music plays during the service. Long before social media existed, instant feedback was always given, whether it was a look of angst or a nod of approval. Shedrick quickly learned the immediate affect music has on the listener, a valuable lesson.
As a teenager, one of Shedrick’s uncles introduced him to a new musical influence in the form of Miles Davis’ classic recording, Kind of Blue. Jazz represented an “awakening” to his musical senses; the concept of improvisation was foreign yet intriguing. This was a new beginning.
Moving to New York City presented new opportunities to study with famed pianists, Mulgrew Miller and John Hicks who encouraged Shedrick to attend The New School (Mannes School of Music). He thrived on the abundance of musicians who played at the highest level: Kenny Kirkland, Oscar Peterson, Harrold Mabern and countless others. New York City was a breeding ground of musical genius expressed through jazz music.
“PRACTICING SEEMED TO BE A CHORE AT NINE, BUT WHEN I STARTED PLAYING IN CHURCH, IT BECAME THE ULTIMATE TRAINING GROUND ESSENTIAL FOR MY GROWTH. I WAS ASKED TO PLAY MANY DIFFERENT STYLES ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, AND IT HAS SHAPED MY MUSIC FOR LIFE.”
After the untimely passing of Kenny Kirkland, it was Mulgrew Miller who recommended Shedrick for Kenny Garrett’s band.Touring internationally for the first time gave him a broader perspective of jazz music and eventually led to him recording on Kenny Garrett’s album, “Simply Said”.
Following his work with Kenny Garrett, Shedrick went on to work with many jazz greats including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Terrance Blanchard, Antonio Hart, Johnny Griffin, Dianne Reeves and others. But, it was in 2003 that Shedrick was asked to accompany one of the greatest voices of our time, Whitney Houston. Shedrick toured with Ms. Houston for nine years on many different platforms including major television award shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show and even royal audiences in many countries. What may be equally impressive is that he continued to perform and record jazz music and play at his local church in between tours.
Opportunities continued to pour in. Several years later, Shedrick collaborated with the legendary Stevie Wonder, music and business mogul Jay-Z and R&B/soul star, Maxwell. During these years, many career highlights included the Super Bowl XL half-time show with Stevie Wonder, the American Gangster soundtrack and VH-1 special, ‘Storytellers’ with Jay-Z and co-producing Maxwell’s recordings, “Black” and “Summers,” while currently serving as his now Music Director.
Considering all of these invaluable experiences, receiving the request to accompany “The Queen” Ms. Aretha Franklin, was nothing short of extraordinary. For two years, Shedrick graced the stage with Ms. Franklin. Their performances included an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman performing songs from her last recording, “Aretha Sings the Great Diva Classics,” and one of the highest honors, performing at the White House for President Barack Obama.
Both Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin had a special affinity for Shedrick’s musicianship. When he accompanied them on piano or organ, they enjoyed the freedom his playing allowed, returning them to their gospel roots.
Twenty-eight years later, having received four Grammy Awards and recorded over 200 records encompassing styles as diverse as classical, new age, rock, jazz, country, gospel, R&B/soul and reggae, the journey continues. In June 2020, Shedrick released his second solo recording, “Time – Reflections – Distance”, which speaks to the challenges we all face today. Since that initial recording, he has released 9 full projects in a span of 3 years. His jazz project, What Do You Say, received Grammy recognition.
The Covid Era has been a stepping stone for Shedrick to release all the music that he’s previously produced and written for so many artist mentioned earlier, now for himself. In 2024, Shedrick will release his 10th studio project entitled, Bedroom Eyes. He will also release his first children’s book entitled, Klarke Finds Her Voice.
It’s safe to say, that he has wasted no time in exploring all the creative things that come to mind. Shedrick is currently serving as musical director, and arranger for jazz vocalist & Grammy award winning best new artist, Samara Joy.
After having achieved success as a musician, arranger and producer, Shedrick enjoys imparting his knowledge and experience into the next generation of musicians and singers as a teacher, mentor and coach. In all of this, he has managed to stay grounded in his foundation, and on any given Sunday you will still find Shedrick Mitchell at church, playing the piano and organ, simply doing what he loves most.
