Jackson Free Press

Yazoo City native Brandon Mitchell has been singing as long as he can remember, but it wasn't until he took his talent to church that he realized how it could move people. His mother, Debra Mitchell, and father, Birdon Mitchell Jr., who pastors Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Natchez, have always supported their son's talents, so Mitchell received many opportunities to lead the congregation in song.

"I (chose) gospel music, because I get gratification through (the genre)," he says. "You have to have a calling for it. No other genre could do that for me."

While his performances started casually, Mitchell received formal training throughout his education, from participation in the Yazoo City High School choir and quartet to vocal lessons at Alcorn State University, where he studied music performance, graduating in 2010. Even in high school, Mitchell was fully aware that he was working toward his future.

"I decided I wanted music to be my career when, (as) a child, I discovered you could actually make a living off of it," he says. "I remember seeing John P. Kee on Bobby Jones' gospel show one morning, and it all became real."

Mitchell cultivated his interest and talent into expertise. He plays the piano, organ, bass guitar and drums. He'll be stretching his muscles in the latter skill Nov. 21 at the Alamo Theater in Jackson. Mitchell will lead a clinic with drummer Calvin Rodgers, who has backed everyone from Aretha Franklin to Smokie Norful.

For Mitchell, music is a way to make a difference in the lives of others, whether it's through performing or serving as the minister of music at College Hill Baptist Church in Jackson.

"My goals in life are to take care of my family, affect lives and effect change in the church," Mitchell says. A big part of his work is discovering new ways to reach people in an increasingly apathetic world. "We have to catch up. A church is on every corner, but are we helping people to know who Jesus is?"

Eight years ago, Mitchell created the gospel group Singers With A Purpose, or SWAP, to do just that. While he and the nine other vocalists get along well, Mitchell had to grow into his role as the group's leader. He was only 20 years old when SWAP began performing, and it took experience to learn how to manage different personality types.

Mitchell describes the performances as a "mix of energy and smooth," incorporating elements of jazz and classical genres into original songs. It's an interesting blend of style and musical substance that's both uplifting and entertaining.

"It's a fun, feel-good type of show," he says. "You get all of me (during a performance). I'm giving everything, and the singers and musicians do the same. When I'm done, I'm an empty vessel. Whether it's a five-minute or 30-minute performance, I'm giving it all in that time."

Quality recordings are also essential for Mitchell. He has the music produced professionally so that it would sound excellent even without the voices to carry it. SWAP released its newest single, "You Are God," last June to build anticipation for a full-length album to be released next spring 2015.

Brandon Mitchell performs Friday, Nov. 21, at the Alamo Theatre (333 N. Farish St., 601-352-3365). For information, visit brandonmitchellswap.com.