Vibraphonist Brandon Mitchell on his latest releases, getting inspiration from his roots, and what’s coming for the artist in 2025

Brandon Mitchell is a vibraphonist and music educator based in Raleigh. 

Brandon shares about his latest work, including the release of the album Lakewood Jump by Keenan McKenzie & The Riffers and his 2024 singles, “A Promise is a Comfort to a Fool” and “Little Sunflower.” The artist also talks about getting inspiration from the Afrobeats movement and his Caribbean roots in Jamaica and Grenada, and what’s coming up for him in 2025. Brandon will release music with his four piece featuring Chris Mills on bass, Brandon Shamar on piano, and Chuck Pinckney on drums.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Brandon holds a bachelor’s in percussion performance from Elon University and a master’s in jazz studies from North Carolina Central University. He teaches vibes, drums, piano, and other percussion instruments around the Triangle.

In addition to performing throughout the East Coast, Brandon has performed in Italy at the Jazzit International Music Festival in Montegrosso, the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, and by the Duomo in Florence for a show presented by the Notte Bianca festival. He’s also performed with Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, and Jon Metzger, among others.  

Music credits

This episode features the songs “A Promise is a Comfort to a Fool” and “Little Sunflower,” by Brandon Mitchell. 

This season features the songs “Forged in Rhythm” and “Callous & Kind” by Keenan McKenzie & The Riffers (2017), used by Six Count with permission from the artist. 

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