The Robert Mitchell 3io has its roots in his long running band - Panacea. Richard Spaven (drums) and Tom Mason (basses) are the rhythm section of Panacea and together with Robert 3io have quietly been developing a real signature in this very popular format. Their autumn 08 tour coincides with the release of their debut CD – recorded with the support of Jazz Services.

Over the years they have honed their mix of influences (song, odd metre, freeform jazz, broken beat, hip-hop, folk) with older and more modern jazz/electronica/rock. Their concerts include original compositions by each of the band members along with special arrangements

As part of the prestigious F-ire Collective, Robert won the Jazz on 3 Innovation Award at the 2004 BBC Jazz Awards; he has also been nominated twice: for Rising Star in 2002, and Best New Work in 2003. He’s played/recorded with names such as Norma Winstone, Steve Coleman, Courtney Pine, Steve Williamson, Ty, 2 Banks of 4, and IG Culture, in addition to leading the six-piece Panacea. Panacea first performed in 2000, releasing its debut album, Voyager, on the Dune label a year later. Its second album, Trust, was released on F-IRE in 2005. A solo album, Equinox (originally a BBC Radio 3/Jerwood commission), was released in Spring 2007, and Robert curated a festival, Lifting The Lid: A Celebration of Modern Solo Piano, at Soho’s Pizza Express that Autumn. Robert plays in a hugely successful duo with Cuban violinist Omar Puente, and its debut album, Bridges, garnered critical acclaim on release in late 2006. Robert also works with US vocalists Jhelisa Anderson and Jose James, composer/saxophonist Dan Stern, and bassist/singer Yolanda Charles/The Deep MO.

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