Western Australian singer songwriter and producer of blues, folk and contemporary music
Born (1967) and raised in London Mike immigrated to Perth, Australia with hisfamily at the age of thirteen. It was Mike's sister's cheap classical guitarwhich drew him to his first explorations in music. During his early twenties Mike's musical journey was deepened after meeting the sensational Indonesian session guitarist Dilli Rihenna in the unlikely Aboriginal township of Roebourne, WA.
"Dilli's approach to learning the guitar was to revolutionise mywhole musical experience.His thorough understanding of the mechanics of musicand the functions of the guitar inspired me to follow suit."
The North West town of Karratha proved to be fertile soil in which Mike's early live experiences could develop into a solid repertoire of early Blues standards. Utilising both Dobro Resonator Guitar and Acoustic Guitar, from time to time he would performat the Walkington Theatre where he was able to support and learn from a numberof significant traveling Australian artists and groups. Still in the North West, by 1999 Mike had formed a partnershipwith harmonica player Mark Whinnen and a duo called "The Mudcats" was born. The Mudcats developed a good reputation in the area for performing vibrant Delta and Texasstyle blues.
Now, 2008 Mike is living in Fremantle, Western Australia, and regularly performs as a solo artist utilizing bluesy vocals, harmonica (employed in a neck brace), 12 string, resonator, lap steel, acoustic guitars and a stomp box (basically a miked wooden box for a kick drum effect!).
Incorporating elements as varied as Piedmont Blues, subtle Jazz, delta style blues, folk and even Indian ragas, Mike's musical style has become somewhat more eclectic in recent years. Live shows are a powerful showcase of this rootsy, earthy style. Musicianship, professionalism, commanding vocal and instrumental delivery provides a captivating showcase for the discerning listener.
Mike has just self produced his latest album "Frontline" and features on all guitars, lap steel, harmonica, bass, vocals and keyboards. Dean Wuksta eloquently plays drums and percussion, an earlier member of the popular Western Australian outfit the Blue Shaddy Band.
Highlights
Bridgetown Blues Festival WA 2003, 2004, 2005
Live en Aout (Jazz Festival) Noumea, New Caledonia 2006
Nannup Folk Festival 2007 WA
Araleun Blues in the Park 2007 WA
Westcoast Blues And Roots Fringe Festival WA 2007, 2008
Fairbridge Folk Festival WA 2008
Tracks from the album, "On a Backdrop of Silence" included in ABC documentary for Stateline
Provided support entertainment for Deborah Conway, Lucky Oceans, Nathan Cavalieri, Vdelli, The Ragabillys, Blue Shaddy, Bondi Cigars, Dave Mann Collective, Ivan Zar, Derrin Nuaendorf , Wolf Mail and The Waifs.
Play live gigs in Western Australia and love connecting with an audience. For music to be realised it must be communicated.
John Lee Hooker Cat Stevens Kenny Burrell Larry Carlton Leo Kotkee Fred McDowell Manse Lipscombe Blind Boy Fuller Ry Cooder Michael Hedges
As a produced my studio gear is extensive. Just a few brand names include RME, Great River, Rode, Neumann, Daking, Lexicon.