Mitch Mitchell RIP

Mitch Mitchell, who died yesterday, was an indispensable member of the trio in which Jimi Hendrix first came to public prominence. Like Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, he was an English jazz freak who moved into the more popular rock and roll realm. His skill as a drummer made it possible for him to provide a counterpoint to Hendrix's guitar playing that few could have matched.

Here is an example of his driving power and dexterity; while here he shows with equal dexterity how, unlike most of the famous rock-era drummers, he could play softly without disappearing into thin air.