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Mitch Livstone

Praised by Boston critic Jon Garelick as an artist who “really shines” on the bandstand, Mitch Livstone plays with thoughtful lyricism and brilliant tone colors. A true orchestrator, he courts interactivity among his fellow artists, creating stirring melodies from subtle phrases, and transforming trio gigs into headlining events. For his technical mastery and his inventive improvising, Livstone continues earning recognition among critics, peers and audiences of all ages.

A highly sought collaborator, the Boston-based guitarist and composer has worked with a roster of diverse artists, including Tim Ray, John Lockwood, Bruce Gertz, Ehud Ettun, Oscar Stagnaro, Mark Walker, Steve Langone, Bertram Lehman, Austin McMahon, Ivanna Cuesta Gonzalez, Ángela Varo and Gary Fieldman, and shared the bandstand with Yoron Israel, Phil Grenadier and Marco Pignataro, among other leaders. Leading his own trio, ML Jazz Collaborative, and supporting others, Livstone has performed across the city at The Beehive, The Lilypad, Mad Monkfish, Zuzu, Latina Kitchen & other popular live music outlets.

Born and raised in Belarus, Livstone began developing his ear at an early age in Minsk. By 8, the young composer and future guitarist was earning critical accolades and placing ahead of adult conservatory students in formal competitions. He would compose orchestral works in his head, putting pencil to paper without ever touching an instrument. When his family emigrated to the U.S., like so many immigrant artists, Livstone found himself putting aside his musical aspirations to pursue a sustainable career. He earned his Ph.D. in engineering from MIT, formally returning to music years later when he began supplementing his deep reverence for bebop language and hard-swinging repertoire by studying with Peter Bernstein and Jonathan Kreisberg. He currently offers lessons in guitar, ear training and composition.

In fall 2025, Livstone issued his debut release Evolution, convening his working trio that features Tim Ray on piano, Ehud Ettun on bass and Gary Fieldman on drums. His most personal gesture to date, Evolution signals Livstone’s return to the music he loves, translating his penchant for striking harmonies, his mastery of phrasing and his appetite for exploration with his fellow artists.

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