Mitch Mitchell, drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, died yesterday. He was 62. In addition to possessing one of the greatest Afros in music history, Mitchell was a fine drummer, influenced as much by jazz greats Elvin Jones and Max Roach as by rock music. He was incredibly versatile, bringing a prodigious technique to the freakout, and providing a steady anchor when the music threatened to spin out of control. Hendrix, naturally, stole every show. But Mitch Mitchell was a star in his own right. The Summer of Love keeps yielding up its heroes. This one was a regular bloke who loved music, and played it well. His longevity is a testament to that. And, as is always the case, he died too soon.

Those first three studio albums are great because, obviously, Jimi's playing was not of this earth. But that aint the only reason. Mitch's contribution on drums was also brilliant and very UN-rock 'n roll. The two instruments complimented each other so well. (Contrast Buddy Miles perfunctory drumming on some tracks on Electric Ladyland with Mitch's more shifting, lively approach)

As realists, we dont expect another Hendrix to come jamming down the pike anytime soon. But I go further. You probably wont hear guys like Mitch Mitchell, with that fluid understanding of timing and dynamics, in rock 'n roll anytime soon either.