MITCH ROSSELL @ Freedom Country Fest – Freedom, WI
June 11, 2021
Review by Sharon Locklin
Photos by David Urmanski
Singer/songwriter Mitch Rossell can be described as a young, up-and-coming artist who is blazing a trail in the country music scene and building his base by leaving his mark on concert-goers one show at a time. In his late 20’s, Rossell originated from Eastern Tennessee and is now residing with his wife in Nashville. He caught the attention of country superstar Garth Brooks in 2014 and has been called “the G Man’s protégé” by both fans and critics alike. Mitch wrote Brooks’ hit “Ask Me How I Know” and co-wrote “All Day Long” and “Dive Bar” with Brooks. He toured with Brooks and he also collaborated with Trisha Yearwood on his recent hit, “Ran Into You,” where Yearwood sang harmony on Rossell’s song.
Listening to his band perform Friday night as the direct supporting act to award-winning country superstars, Lonestar, at the Freedom Country Festival hosted by St. Nicholas Parish, it was apparent that Mitch Rossell gave something to Freedom, Wisconsin that had been lacking for the last two years since the last country festival… a solid, heart-felt celebration of musical storytelling that left the crowd hopeful for what the future may bring. According to Rossell, it was the first time he and the band performed in 496 days, however you would have never known it based on the band’s ability to keep the crowd engaged and energized throughout their entire set.
Observing Mitch and his bandmates in the green room prior to the show, there seemed to be a tinge of nervous energy. However, once they took the stage, it was hard to believe they hadn’t performed for such a lengthy span. It was clear to see why they were referred to as up and coming. Mitch’s voice was strong, smooth and silky… a real country crooner. The band was also very much up to the challenge Friday night as they proved to be extremely talented and professional and put it out there for all to take in.
The first song “God, Girls, Football,” was a wonderful story about hometown football and the relationship between football, God and the towns that take pride in their hometown teams. The band then moved onto the first song Mitch recorded when he moved to Nashville, “Praying on Rain.” Next, was a surprise cover of the first record Mitch ever bought (in second grade), “Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash. His voice was perfectly suited for the song and was accompanied by captivating keyboard riffs that added to the tune’s performance that would’ve made Johnny proud.
As they moved through the set list, there were many stories that went along with the songs while the songs themselves told their own unique stories. Stories of a wild youth, love for his wife, as well as a discussion with Garth Brooks about having Trisha Yearwood do harmonies for his song “Ran Into You.” Garth thought it was a good idea, but laughingly told Mitch he would need to ask her himself. Mitch obviously did, and while she wasn’t there to perform it live with Mitch, you can hear it on the recording of the song and in the video posted on his YouTube channel.
One song that really pulled at this writer’s heartstrings was “2020.” Mitch asks if we could find unity and hope again given all that we went through in 2020? A question many of us have asked ourselves and continue to ask. The song was done in the form of a prayer that we all start to see each other the way God sees us. A truly inspirational song. From the first song to the last, there was no doubt that we would be hearing from Mitch Rossell again, and that we were witnessing the birth of a future star.
