Shirley Smart & Robert Mitchell

This is the very first duo show at Crazy Coqs for Shirley Smart and Robert Mitchell. Having first worked together on a large-scale project of Robert’s – Invocation (2014) – there followed many conversations on their mutual overlapping musical interests, eventually leading to a debut album, “Zeitgeist²” (Discus). Recorded at Steinway Recording Studios and engineered, mixed and mastered by Spencer Cozens – it is an exploration of originals, improvisation, poetry and some CPE Bach with a unique history of its own! All will feature in this performance. The album and copies of Robert’s second book of poetry, “City Of Sanctuary” will also be available at the show.

“The music itself is often very beautiful, and the album can be enjoyed for this alone, but it also makes serious musical and political points that demand a deeper level of appreciation. As such it represents a triumph for both musicians.” – Ian Mann THE JAZZ MANN

“….. the fine pianist Robert Mitchell, whose inspired duo with cellist Shirley Smart has resulted in “Zeitgeist²”. The album probably counts as chamber jazz of a sort, although it manages to be both profound and gently witty on its own terms, too. Mitchell’s precise, crisp playing provides an ideal contrast to Smart’s lyrical, occasionally yearning cello lines, although the duo isn’t afraid to have fun with a boogie riff here and a walking bassline there. A fine example of interplay between two very articulate musicians that comes highly recommended, as does the Discus label in general with its impressive catalogue of fearless leftfieldery.” – Roger Thomas, BBC MUSIC