Mike Walker
ITS STILL ON DESPITE THE WEATHER- COME AND JOIN US IN THE WARM VIBE!
MIKE WALKER (guitar) with RICHARD ISLES (trumpet and flugelhorn) and the ANDY CHOLERTON TRIO : ANDY CHOLERTON (piano), RICHARD HAMMOND (bass), PAUL SMITH (drums).
Mike Walker, one of the finest jazz guitarists ever to have emerged on this side of the Atlantic is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He has played with the likes of Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor and performed with Dave Holland, Tal Farlow, Vince Mendoza, Anthony Braxton, Bill Frisell and many others.
Now his new album with his own band “Madhouse and the whole thing there” has been reviewed with critical acclaim. He will be appearing at Seven with Richard Isles - trumpet and flugelhorn, Andy Cholerton - piano, Richard Hammond - bass, Paul Smith – drums. Tickets can be reserved through this website by sending us an email.
Mike Walker at Seven 04.12.08
Listen to Mike on myspace
Thursday evening 8pm Dec 4th 2008 £10/£8 concessions at Seven Arts
In the early 90's Mike toured extensively in various bands led by Tommy Smith, including a quartet with Mick Hutton on bass, and the Canadian, Ian Froman, on drums. One of Tommy's quartets featured the wonderful Scottish drummer Tom Bancroft, an association that would lead to Mike, Tom, and Tom's sax playing brother Phil, working together at the Glasgow Jazz summer school. After many years of smiles and sheepish grins across crowded rooms, Phil asked Mike to join his newly formed band. They've been touring steadily since, together with Thomas Strønen, the Norwegian drummer, and bass player Steve Watts who replaced Reid Anderson of 'The Bad Plus'.
During the last decade Mike has also visited the States, and most of Europe,as George Russell's guitarist, recording with him on several occasions. Also, as a member the Creative jazz Orchestra, Mike has played with Vince Mendoza, Anthony Braxton, Bill Frisell, Tim Berne, and Mark-Anthony Turnage.
Amongst the many other fine musicians that Mike has played and recorded with over the last 20 years, mention must be made of Dave Holland, John Taylor, Tal Farlow, Bob Moses, Arild Anderson, and Palle Mikkelborg, as well as some fine vocalists including Mica Paris, Norma Winstone, and Jacqui Dankworth with whom Mike regularly tours.
Mike ‘s new album is 'Madhouse and the Whole Thing There'. It features the members of Brazil Nuts, plus strings, French horn, piano, brass section and vocals etc. Mike says about it "This album is the first under my name. It's about dissonance masked by consonance, and having clear statements despite the density. I wanted the harmony to be supported by the melody. I wanted the rhythm and bar lengths to feel completely natural, even though they're not. I wanted it to be singable, and street-walk whistleable. I didn't want the face to reflect the inner workings."
Mike is very busy with new projects. He has written new material for another album which will feature some great musicians from England and USA. He has nearly finished his book 'The Comprehensive Fretboard System'. He is working hard to build a publishing business with long time friend and musician Iain Dixon,
Mike plays regularly in the UK, Europe and around the world as well as teaching at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts (LIPA) and is the co-director for a number of jazz workshops held at the The Music Place. Mike also teaches privately from his home in Lancashire. See the gigs and teaching pages for more info.
More information : www.mike-walker.co.uk