Album Notes

One of Jamie's inspirations as a young boy was his grandmother who was a concert pianist. It was because of the many afternoons he sat on her knee, mesmerized while she played the piano that Jamie developed a passion for music and decided that his destiny was to follow in her footsteps.

While he continued to study the piano, Jamie developed an interest in the saxophone which he picked up at the age of fourteen. His love for the instrument led him to saxophone great Pat Labarbera with whom Jamie studied saxophone and jazz improvisation.

Jamie recorded his first CD in 1994 which included a selection of jazz standards. He played tenor saxophone and recorded with jazz greats Peter Appleyard on vibes, Ed Bickert on guitar, Don Thompson on bass and Joe Labarbera on drums. The recording was described by one reviewer as a "aural massage... listening to it melts away all the problems of the day" (Network Magazine March 1995).


Jazz Legends Quotes:

James Mitges is a young outstanding tenor sax soloist. Today when most players have put the beautiful tone of the instrument in second place Jamie has done the opposite. His tone on the horn is exquisite, the best I’ve heard in a long time. It was a great pleasure being on this recording with Ed, Don, Joe and Jamie.
Good luck Jamie, I’m expecting great things from you and that great horn.”
- Peter Appleyard

“This session was a real pleasure – James has that sound and feel of the tenor sax great of the 40’s.”
- Ed Bickert

“It was a pleasure recording with James; I enjoyed his playing and the songs he picked. It’s nice to hear a young guy pick a style that’s not necessarily the current rage. As for Don, Ed and Peter, they’re the best.”
- Joe Labarbera

“This is friendly music. I enjoyed playing it. I hope you enjoy listening to it.”
- Don Thompson