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Mitch Kessler grew up in New York City. He began taking saxophone and flute lessons and studying Jazz with Billy Kerr while in junior high school. He later attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz studies and a Master of Music Degree in Composition. While there, he studied saxophone with legendary instructor Joe Allard and performed with the New England Conservatory Jazz Ensemble. Mitch later pursued a career as an attorney, which eventually brought him to the capitol region. He continues to devote some of his time to his music and is a fixture at the Van Dyke Brewery's Tuesday night Jazz jam sessions, as well as the Sunday evening jam sessions at the Chow Hound in Saugerties, New York. Mitch also performs with Walt Donnaruma at the Cafe Capriccio in Albany, and with the Mike Benedict Quartet and Big Band. Mitch likes to describe his playing style as rooted in bebop and hardbop Jazz, but with a modern flair. He's what one would call a "changes" player. His favorite tune to play is John Coltrane's "Giant Steps". Mitch is currently working on forming a hardbop-type quartet with pianist Tim Olsen, bassist Mike Del Prete and drummer Mike Benedict. He's available for work as a sideman as well. He can be reached at (518) 235-6312 or msklaw@capital.net. |
