‘JAH Mitch’ Takes His Final Solo

By Stuart Wilson

Musicians across the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean region are reeling from the death of Caymanian Musical Icon, Mitch Ebanks, affectionately known as ‘Jah Mitch’, whose contribution spanned nearly six decades.

Jah Mitch passed away peacefully at his home in the District of West Bay early on the morning of 28th October only hours after a singalong with musical friends, who came together to take him out for a jam session as a way of brightening his spirits during his bout with cancer, which was well known among the musical fraternity.

Among those in a video circulating on social media featuring Mitch’s last musical get together were stalwarts from Cayman’s musical scene such as Guitarist Renwick Connolly and Singer Jeán Eric Smith a.k.a ‘Mr. Notch’, whom had been a bandmate and lifelong friend of the singer/songwriter.

“It’s a colossal loss”, noted Smith, who was noticeably devastated by his confidant and mentor’s transition.

The two had spent years performing, recording and traveling together and audiences grew to be accustomed to seeing the musicians appearing together during performances over the past three decades. 

“I was introduced to Mitch by Sean Hennings during the early nineties when my former band, which was a remnant of the ‘Juveniles’ had broken up.

Upon my entrance to the Silver’s Night Club and Lounge at the Treasure Island Resort on the West Bay Road, I met Jah Mitch, who I had know from his musical contributions prior to our meeting and the fact that we were both from the District of West Bay.”

He added that during his time with Mitch, his fondest memories includes Mitch’s sense of humour - which Mr. Notch joked could make you forget the world and all your troubles - as well as his competence.

“Mitch was the musical MD,” Smith reminisced. 

“In those early days we would rehearse for our shows at Silvers from 10am till 1pm and then go on to play into to the early hours of the morning. Once home, we would then arrange new songs and Mitch was able to pick up chord progressions very quickly so we could rapidly add new material to the repertoire and the night became a huge success.”

Mr. Notch said over the past 35 years there were only 5 shows he could remember playing without Jah Mitch.

“It is impossible to even imagine trying to replace him. There is a space there but there will never be anyone to fill it.” 

Among some of the songs Caymanians will remember Jah Mitch for are compositions such as ‘Parade’, ‘Tempp’ and ‘Search the Town,’ the latter of which is set to be released by Mr. Notch as a single as would often by the case with the duo.

“Mitch would write the songs and I would sing them and we were the only act from the Cayman Islands to headline Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica. We went on at 4am in the morning and when we finished, the other bands wanted to recruit Jah Mitch due to his proficiency as a guitarist,” said Mr. Notch. 

Mitch also received a Long Service Award from the CMEA in 2016 and was an ambassador of Cayman’s musical scene to both young and old musician, always encouraging them and taking the time to give advice when he could.

Another young musician to mentor under Jah Mitch was Sean Hennings, of Hi Tide, who also spoke with the Caymanian Times about the Musician and his influence on the Island’s musical fingerprint.

“I was the drummer for the band at Treasure Island and initially met Mitch there.

“He had a trio that played by the pool. I always went to watch them and then Treasure Island decided that they wanted to give them an opportunity inside on the big stage and they formed a band.

“Upon inviting me to join as the drummer, I reached out to Notch, who then became the singer,” noted Mr. Hennings.

“My very first memory of Mitch was being a little child. Cayman prep had a fair day and Jah Mitch’s band was playing. The band’s name was ‘Strong Hands of Tomorrow’ and I  felt like I was watching Carlos Santana.

“I was in awe of what I was seeing and then to finally being asked by them to join them was the highlight of my life.”

When the band wrapped up its stint at Silvers, they ensemble moved to Houston to pursue musical opportunities, an experience Mr. Hennings writes about on his album’s track, ‘Sandswept Lane,’ and ode to the time and place where they stayed during that trip.

Speaking of Jah Mitch’s passing, Mr. Hennings noted, “It wasn’t a shock but it is still upsetting. I knew of how unwell he was and the inevitable was going to happen. We didn’t know when but had been preparing for it. “

He described the moment of Mitch’s transitioning as a massive loss.

“This guy was a premier songwriter and guitar player. So unique and the chords that he put together…. He would take a song like Yellow Bird and put Chords in it that would just blow your mind.”

Mr. Hennings said he thinks Jah Mitch’s legacy will be as one of the greatest songwriters out of the Cayman Islands in our history and just an all time down to earth nice and simple man.

Both he and Mr. Notch expressed the difficulty in finding the  best way to honour Mitch’s contribution, as it touched so many people.

“It’s a tough thing that we only think about honoring the great after they are gone. We don’t give that respect when they are here and we only realize the greatness when they are gone,” the musicians agreed.