Blue Mitchell was a member Horace Silver’s quintet. His lyrical playing, beautiful timbre, and simple, soulful style of bop made him a household name. Silver’s group was disbanded, but the members remained together under Mitchell’s direction. Brooks and Silver were replaced later by Chick Corea (and Al Foster), who were then taken over by Billy Higgins and Harold Mabern. Mitchell returned to popular music in 1969, when he recorded soul-jazz albums and toured with Ray Charles (1969-71) as well as John Mayall (1971-1973). He was a freelancer in Los Angeles and performed as a soloist with Tony Bennett, Lena Horne and others. He was also a member of the Bill Berry, Louie Bellson and Bill Holman big bands, as well as in bop groups such a quintet featuring Richie Kamuca. He recorded several disco-jazz albums (1975-1977) and was a member of a bop quintet (1975-1978). –BARRY KERNFELD. The New Grove Encyclopedia Of Jazz
