Nicole Margaret Mitchell is a “compelling improviser of intelligence, determination, positivity and tremendous talent…on the way to becoming one among the greatest living flutists of jazz.” (Peter Margasak. Chicago Reader). Mitchell is a creative flutist, composer, and bandleader. She was also named the “Top Flutist 2010” and “Top Flutist 2011” by Downbeat Magazine’s Criti’s Polls. Mitchell also received first place as Downbeat’s “Rising Star Flitist 2005-2011. The Jazz Journalist Association awarded Mitchell “Jazz Flutists of the Year 2010 u0026 2011” and “Chicagoan Of the Year 2006” respectively. Mitchell is the founder of Black Earth Ensemble and Black Earth Strings. Her compositions are renowned for their ability to blend new ideas with elements from jazz, gospel, and African percussion. Mitchell has been an integral part of festivals and art venues across Europe, America, Canada, and the U.S. Mitchell has performed alongside creative luminaries such as George Lewis, Miya Masaya, Lori Freedman and Bill Dixon. Mitchell also collaborates with Ed Wilkerson and David Boykin, Rob Mazurek (Hamid Drake), Arveeayl R, Rob Mazurek and Rob Mazurek on ongoing projects. Mitchell is the first woman to be elected president of Chicago’s Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Mitchell is grateful to her mentors and teachers, including Donald Byrd and Brenda Jones, Roscoe Mitchell and James Newton. While a student at the University of California, San Diego, trombonist Jimmy Cheatham inspired Mitchell to enter the world of improvisation. James Newton was her flutist. Mitchell’s first performances were with Une Igede, an Afrobeat band led by Nagite Agindotan (a protégée of Fela Kuti). Mitchell, who was studying briefly at Oberlin under Donald Byrd u0026 Wendall Logan in her early twenties, moved to Chicago. Mitchell met many musicians and mentors while playing on Chicago’s streets. Mitchell joined the AACM as a member in 1995 and was instrumental in the creation of the first all-female ensemble, Samana, for the AACM. Nicole Mitchell’s music continues to chart the exciting musical directions that AACM has charted over decades. Mitchell is an educator and has held composer and jazz residencies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of New Mexico and Cal State University Fullerton. Chicagoan of 2006 by the Chicago Tribune. Mitchell is also a member Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and Chicago Sinfonietta. He is also an Anthony Braxton’s 12-tet, Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra, David Boykin Expanse, and Anthony Braxton’s 12 1-tet. She has received fellowships from Chamber Music America, the Illinois Arts Council, and has been commissioned to write music by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Ravinia. Mitchell has seven recordings to her credit as a leader, and many recordings as a co-leader. Mitchell is currently an Assistant Professor of Music in the University of California, Irvine’s Integrated Composition, Improvisation and Technology Program. from www.nicolemitchell.com
