Ace Trumpeter Clive Mitchell Has Passed Away

Trinidad and Tobago’s music fraternity is mourning the passing of veteran trumpeter Clive “Mitch” Mitchell, a respected musician whose horn helped shape the live sound of calypso and soca across generations.

Mitchell belonged to a remarkable tradition of Trinidad and Tobago bandsmen whose musicianship provided the power behind some of the country’s greatest performers. Long before audiences became accustomed to programmed brass and digital production, musicians like Mitchell were on the bandstand, delivering the sharp trumpet lines, arrangements and unmistakable energy that helped define the sound of Carnival.

His musical journey stretched back decades. Published accounts of the Roy Cape era record Mitchell as having joined the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band in 1968, before leaving for the United States in 1973. While abroad, he performed with Trinidadian, Jamaican and American bands and continued returning home to work with leading local musicians. His career also included performances with The Mighty Sparrow’s band, TnT Rainbow, and extensively with Roy Cape, including appearances at the Kingdom of the Wizards and Spektakula calypso tents.

Mitchell was part of an era when being a professional bandsman demanded exceptional musicianship, discipline and versatility. Roy Cape’s band in particular became renowned for its high standards, with Mitchell himself recalling the importance placed on musicians warming up, tuning together and maintaining professional discipline.

For generations of calypso and soca lovers, the artistes standing at the microphone were only part of the story. Behind them were musicians like Clive Mitchell, whose contribution helped give the music its colour, excitement and identity.

His passing marks the loss of another important link to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich tradition of live orchestras, brass sections and Carnival bands.

TUCO extends condolences to his family, friends, fellow musicians and the wider calypso and soca fraternity. May his music and contribution be remembered.