Robert Mitchell - LITTLE BLACK BOOK: Vol.1, Blueprint (Of An Infinite Gift) (2025) [Hi-Res]

Robert Mitchell's "Little Black Book" is an ambitious prog-jazz triptych that blends poetry, bold musical ideas, and electric elements. The album, performed by Mitchell (on acoustic piano, Rhodes, synths, keytar, and MPC), guitarist Zayn Mohammed, and drummer Laurie Lowe, showcases their strong chemistry and Mitchell's drive to break free of genre constraints. Tracks range from heavier, fusion-leaning compositions like "Consensus" and "I Greet The Universe (With All Your Person)," with their shifting riffs and layered keyboards, to gentler, more graceful interludes such as "Blueprint (Of An Infinite Gift)." On two tracks, "Within The Storm" and "Peace In Mind," Mitchell steps into the role of poet-narrator, with the recitals largely succeeding in adding texture. The album is punctuated by the fiery, free-jazz number "Jimi @ Granada" and the melodic "Touchstone," concluding with the solo piano reflection "When Will We Let The Light In." Despite some inconsistencies in transitions and balance, "Little Black Book" is commended as a work by a mature artist fearlessly probing boundaries, offering moments of deep satisfaction.

PERSONNEL
Robert Mitchell – piano, Rhodes Mk8, keytar (Roland Ax Edge), narration, MPC Keys 37, composer, poetry, narration
Zayn Mohammed – guitar
Laurie Lowe – drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Robert Mitchell - The Symbiote [2:02]
1-2 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - Consensus [4:25]
1-3 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - I Greet The Universe (With All Your Person) [4:15]
1-4 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - Blueprint (Of An Infinite Gift) [7:03]
1-5 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - Jimi @ Granada [4:32]
1-6 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe - Within The Storm [4:59]
1-7 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - Be The Change [3:53]
1-8 Robert Mitchell - Peace In Mind [1:53]
1-9 Robert Mitchell;Laurie Lowe;Zayn Mohammed - Touchstone [3:16]
1-10 Robert Mitchell - When Will We Let The Light In [1:48]