It's been 23 years since we last heard from Prince Phillip Mitchell, but the talented singer returns with a new 7 inch release called "Just The Beginning," backed with the B-side (great to say that again), "something new to do," released on the Soul 4 Real label. Mitchell is a veteran composer, vocalist, guitarist, and pianist who was not only in both The Premiers and The Checkmates in the late '50s and early '60s, but was also a great solo artist in his own right. He has written countless gems for other artists as well including, "It Hurts So Good," a hit for Millie Jackson and also Susan Cadogan; "Starting All Over Again," originally written for Sam and Dave but recorded instead by Mel and Tim, whose version was a 1972 hit on the Stax's record label; "A Star In the Ghetto," recorded by the Average White Band with Ben E. King, plus other songs by the likes of Millie Jackson, Norman Connors, Joe Simon, and Candi Staton.As a solo artist, Mitchell's released the single, "One On One," on Atlantic records in 1978 and reached the R&B top 40 (it was part of the 1978 album, Make It Last, that featured background vocals by The Jones Girls). Top Of The Line followed in 1979, featuring the underground soul masterpieces, "I'm So Happy," and "If It Ain't Love It'll Go Away." He released two albums on the, Ichiban Records, with the last one being in 1991.
Mitchell's music, whether recorded by him or another artist, has always been on the classier side of Soul. Please check out the latest SoulTracks First Listen and tell us what you think!
By Gary Van den Bussche