The Shedrick Mitchell Trio ft/ Charles Haynes & Daniel Winshall w/ special guest vocalist Christie Dashiell

Twenty-five years.  Multiple genres.  Iconic superstars.  It’s safe to say Shedrick Mitchell has accomplished his dreams, and then some.   Starting in a church in St. Louis where his grandfather, and later his father, was the Pastor his first experience playing the piano proved to be exactly what was needed.   What seemed to be a chore at nine years old became the ultimate training ground to grow into many different musical styles for the future.   

Mulgrew Miller recommended Shedrick for Kenny Garrett’s band.  Touring internationally for the first time gave him a broader perspective of jazz music and eventually led to him recording on Kenny Garrett’s album, “Simply Said”. 

Following his work with Kenny Garrett, Shedrick went on to work with many jazz greats including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Terrance Blanchard, Antonio Hart, Johnny Griffin, Dianne Reeves and others.  But, it was in 2003 that Shedrick was asked to accompany one of the greatest voices of our time, Whitney Houston.  Shedrick toured with Ms. Houston for nine years on many different platforms including major television award shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show and even royal audiences in many countries.  What may be equally impressive is that he continued to perform and record jazz music and play at his local church in between tours.

Several years later, Shedrick collaborated with the legendary Stevie Wonder, music and business mogul Jay-Z and R&B/soul star, Maxwell.  During these years, many career highlights included the Super Bowl XL half-time show with Stevie Wonder, the American Gangster soundtrack and VH-1 special, ‘Storytellers’ with Jay-Z and co-producing Maxwell’s recordings, “Black” and “Summers,” while currently serving as his Music Director.  

Considering all of these invaluable experiences, receiving the request to accompany “The Queen” Ms. Aretha Franklin, was nothing short of extraordinary.  For two years, Shedrick graced the stage with Ms. Franklin.  Their performances included an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman performing songs from her last recording, “Aretha Sings the Great Diva Classics,” and one of the highest honors, performing at the White House for President Barack Obama.

Both Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin had a special affinity for Shedrick’s musicianship.  When he accompanied them on piano or organ, they enjoyed the freedom his playing allowed, returning them to their gospel roots. 

Twenty-five years later, having received four Grammy Awards and recorded over 200 records encompassing styles as diverse as classical, new age, rock, jazz, country, gospel, R&B/soul and reggae, the journey continues.  In June 2020, Shedrick will release his second solo recording, “Time – Reflections – Distance”, which he hopes will speak to the challenges we all face today. 

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Charles Haynes, a Grammy Golden Globe and Image Award winner, with an abundance of nominations, including one Oscar, and one Emmy, as a producer, songwriter, and drummer. He is a defying musician whose mastery of modern drumming, including jazz, gospel, Hip Hop, Folk and R&B, have lead him to work with array of amazing artists. This resume boasts serving as Musical Director (MD) for Ayo and Co-Musical Director for Lady Gaga. His impeccable skills of percussion have also accompanied Kanye West, Mos Def, Meshell Ndegeocello, UK superstar Ed Sheeran, “MIA,” Queen Latifah, Ledisi, the legendary Patti LaBelle, gospel giant Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, acclaimed jazz musician Roy Hargrove, Kenny Garret, Marcus Miller, Jason Moran, and Robert Glasper. The list contiunues.

Daniel Winshall, born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts is both an upright and electric bass player. From a young age he showed interest in music and began playing electric bass at age 7. Once he picked up the upright bass in middle school he fell in love with jazz and soul music. After graduating Boston Arts Academy Daniel moved to New York City where he graduated from the New School for Contemporary Jazz. Daniel started his professional career at the age of 14 at Wally’s Cafe in Boston and since then he has had the opportunity to perform and record with many artists including Wynton Marsalis, Keyon Harrold and Shelley FKA DRAM.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, Christie Dashiell is a graduate of Howard University and the Manhattan School of Music. As a member of Afro-Blue, Howard’s premier vocal jazz ensemble, Dashiell appeared on NBC’s “The Sing Off.” She has twice received recognition in DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards as Outstanding Soloist and Best Vocalist in the Graduate College division. Dashiell tours with her own quartet, and has performed with Nancy Wilson, Geri Allen, Smokey Robinson, Esperanza Spalding and Fred Hammond. She has appeared at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, DC Jazz Festival and Winter Jazziest in New York City.