While the rest of the country was fawning all over Harrison Craig, I was falling for one of The Voice’s more seasoned contestants. I was captivated every week by Mitchell Anderson, and when he was given the boot I couldn’t wait to see what he’d do next. Thankfully those plans included a show at my favourite haunt, Lizotte’s Kincumber, last Friday night.
That voice that was so powerful on television gave me goosebumps in an intimate venue like Lizotte’s. The bio on the menu claimed that Mitchell is one of the best white soul singers, but I don’t think we need that qualifier. Few voices anywhere drip soul as much as his.
But there’s more to Mitchell than just a voice. He oozes positivity out of every pore. It’s just so much fun to see him perform. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as he treated us to a set that paid tribute to the world’s great soul and blues artists. He treated us to a few originals, but it was those covers that got the place on their feet. Many of them were featured on The Voice, but there were many more than didn’t make it on the show. I loved hearing him take on a few BB King and Joe Cocker numbers. That Voice cover of “Dear Prudence” though is still one of the best things I’ve ever heard.
One of the best things about a show like The Voice is that it gives a guy like Mitchell, and the talented musicians he’s played with for years, exposure. They certainly didn’t play second fiddle to their now famous frontman. Every one of them has the musical chops to play with the best in the Australian business. Together their sound was so tight. What a wonderful thing such experience is.
People like to find fault with shows like The Voice. However, after witnessing a concert like Mitchell’s, I’m really glad it exists to introduce me to artists of his calibre and help him attract the crowds he so richly deserves.
Image source: own photo