Jay Mitchell (cousin of Smoky 007) is a living legend in The Bahamas, though to many of today's generation, an unknown name lost in the shadows of time.
Funk is not synonymous with music in The Bahamas, but Jay was a master, heavily influenced by American stations caught on the radio on his island in Grand Bahama, in close proximity to the U.S.
"I am the Man for You Baby" is a cover for Edwin Starr's original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6gHh...
Mitchell’s sweet rendition can be found on the great compilation album “Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay”. An interesting peruse of a forgotten Soul/Funk music scene in Bahamian history; though many artists help build the great collection, Mitchell steals the show. Pitchfork wrote eloquently:
“All these other artists [of the compilation] are pretty much hors d'oeuvre for Jay Mitchell, though. The Grand Bahama native rules this compilation like he ruled the scene in Nassau…”
Mitchell toured with Otis Redding and was slated to produce an album for him, before returning home to The Bahamas after tiring of the pressures of touring.
“I am the Man for You Baby” is the standout track on this album, and won my heart the first time I heard it. This video is a tribute to Jay Mitchell, and to Bahamian Soul/Funk music. I hope I can share a tiny slice of history with a new generation.
