Otto Mikell

The Mikell category of Charleston, SC is a music dynasty, featuring two Eugenes and an Otto. Certainly, both Eugenes overshadow Otto Mikell in popularity, beginning with the daddy, Eugene Mikell, Sr. who’s, in turn, a lot more of a story than either of his sons. Eugene Sr. was connected with two famous organizations in dark background, the Jenkins Orphanage of Charleston as well as the 369th Infantry Jazz Music group under the path of Wayne Reese Europe. Dad Eugene, considered among the great historical jazz educators, instructed his sons in the mastery from the reed family members; both boys started gigging expertly on reeds from the past due ’20s, “Gene Mikell” became the most common credit for the junior Eugene. Otto Mikell’s documenting career lasted about 50 % so long as his brother’s and entails one-third as much sides. Luckily for his memory space, at least many of these collaborations possess continuing to merit interest among jazz listeners. Otto Mikell was in a single edition of Fess Williams & His Royal Flush Orchestra, trimming some edges for the Victor label in the past due ’20s. He also performed and documented using the Savoy Bearcats, an 11-piece music group from the Savoy location in NEW YORK, although talented innovator Leon Abbey also required them on tour in Argentina, of most places. Ahead of heading to NEW YORK this group was referred to as the Charleston Bearcats.