Selected Clips:
Metamorphosis
  
Bluerise
  

Nicole Mitchell was recognized in the 2001 Downbeat Critic’s Poll for "Talent Deserving Wider Recognition." As a creative musician, she has been noted as "an emerging AACM master," (Chicago Tribune), and "highly praised soloist (Chicago Tribune). Downbeat’s #1 Jazz Flutist, James Newton, states that Mitchell "has produced new techniques that have not yet been heard from any other flutist." She is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, and currently serves on their Board of Directors.

Led by creative musician/composer, Nicole (Niki) Mitchell, Black Earth Ensemble is a multi-genre celebration of the African American cultural legacy. The Black Earth Ensemble performs a program of fresh music that embraces the ancient past and paints visions of a positive future; it is music for our times. Composed by Mitchell, the music is the weaving of swing, blues, avante garde jazz, bebop, African rhythms, Eastern modes and Western classical sounds. The Name "Black Earth" was chosen to honor the feminine source that our lives depend on–Mother Earth.

The purpose of Black Earth Ensemble is to inspire/uplift the human spirit with the beauty of ornate music and improvised dance. It also strives to present a positive, healthy and culturally aware image of African Americans. As a woman-directed, co-led, multi- generational group, it touches a range of emotional spaces rarely expressed in a "jazz" setting. Although Black Earth’s message is intended for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, it is especially impactful for younger people because most of the members are younger.

Afrika Rising
   Nicole Mitchell and Black Earth Ensemble

Greatly expanding the sound of the Black Earth Ensemble on this new recording, Nicole Mitchell breaks through as both a performer and arranger.   There is a certain sensitivity to her music that belies it's underlying strength of character and aesthetic.

The music stretches from the streets of Chicago to the plains of Africa, absorbing and giving back in a redefined way.  It touches places in the soul that one rarely finds in jazz.  Comes highly recommended.

11 tracks in 59:27 minutes

More Dreamtime

You might also enjoy listening to:

Vision Quest (Nicole Mitchell and Black Earth)

Music From Tomorrow's World (Sun Ra Arkestra)

Sunrise In the Tone World  (Little Huey and the Creative Music Orchestra)

Freedom & Unity (Clifford Thornton and the New Art Ensemble)

GO: Organic Orchestra 1 (Rudolph's large ensemble)

The World At Peace (Yusef Lateef's Orchestra)