For decades, Mitch Dalton has been the ultimate go-to of British studios – the guitarist whose tasteful lines and impeccable feel have graced albums by everyone from Herbie Hancock to Quincy Jones, film scores, and countless jingles. If a session needed swing, sophistication, or that elusive “London sound,” Dalton was the first call. Yet while his name sits in microscopic print on hundreds of classic records, he’s rarely stepped forward to claim the spotlight himself.
Until now.
Out Of The Shadows is Mitch Dalton’s long-overdue debut as a leader, and it was worth the wait. This is not some vanity side-project thrown together between gigs. This is a love letter to the American jazz canon, delivered with the kind of effortless authority that only comes from a lifetime spent in the engine room of popular music.
The record opens up fittingly with “First Thoughts Are Best.” A warm tone guitar leads the way through a wave of big sounds from the murderer’s row of collaborators that Mitch Dalton has brought in to bring this project to life. David Arch on Piano and Keyboards, Tim Goodyer on Drums, and Steve Pearce on Bass keep the heart beating. Together they bring forth a sound that instantly teleports you to a dimly lit Manhattan club circa 1962.
The elegance of “We Do It” hits immediately with its guitar intro paired with the soulful vocals of Jazz Morley. The rhythm section provides so much sound but still doesn’t overpower the leads here. These are musicians that have truly perfected their craft and know how to work in sync with others. Edwin Bonilla lends a hand on percussion here to add another element filling out the room with sound.
Feel The Latin Tinge With “Besame Mash Up” by Mitch Dalton
The lead single “Besame Mashup” is Mitch Dalton’s love letter to the Latin sounds that helped shape his love of guitar. Combining the iconic riff and groove of Tito Puente’s“Oye Como Va” (subsequently covered by Santana) with probably the most recorded Spanish language song of all time “Besame Mucho”by Consuelo Velazquez. The original 1932 bolero gets the justice it deserves. Solos from Sammy Mayne on flute and Marc Godfroid on trombone add even more to the finished product.
Mitch Dalton brings out the funk on “Night Birds/Rio Funk.” The bass of Steve Pearce drives the groove while a huge assortment of stars comes in to add to the party. Bill Sharpe on an epic piano solo and The SWR Big Band making their presence felt are standout additions on this one. The guitar work of Dalton is exemplary here. Just pure skill without needing to show off.
“Freberg’s Folly” is a fun Jazz track with each instrument taking its turn in the spotlight. “I Took The Blows” shows the group can slow it down but keep the same energy at the same time. “No Flippin’” is pure classic elegance. There is so much throughout this record it demands multiple spins.
In a world of young guns chasing Instagram likes with overproduced neo-soul, Out Of The Shadows is a reminder that real class never goes out of style. Mitch Dalton has spent a career in the shadows. Turns out the light looks pretty damn good on him.
