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Bass Guitar
Mikes earliest musical recollection is as a four year old, sneaking off into the living room to play on a Hawaiian ukulele, brought back from one of his uncle’s naval tours of duty. Early childhood influences included Lonnie Donegan and all the old rock and roll classics , progressing in teenage years to the Stones (never did like the Beatles much !), and Prog Rock bands such as ELP/Yes, and particular favourites Jethro Tull ,Santana, and Fairport Convention (Mike has been a regular at the Cropredy festival for about the last 20 years).
Various other influences include James Taylor, Tony Joe White, Joni Mitchell, and the late Sandy Denny.
A fascination with differing percussive time signatures developed from listening to Osibisa, Bob Marley, John McGlaughlin, Ravi Shankar, Kali Dwapar, Bebel Gilberto, and the various Ry Cooder collaborations with the likes of Ali Farka Tour, Buena Vista Social Club etc. Out of all this came the percussive bass guitar style heavily influenced by Herbie Flowers, Leland Sklaar, and Dave Pegg.
An enforced musical break due to a variety of reasons , including a years motorcycle tour of Asia , working away from home , getting divorced, and later, shift work ,rudely interrupted playing in public for about 10 years , thankfully (for some!) now over.
Although now playing bass guitar full time , Mike also dabbles with electric guitar, classical , 6 and 12 string acoustic guitar, ,both Irish, and Greek bouzouki ,sitar, and is currently learning to play Indian wooden flute , violin , and tabla.
Redeye, Vulture Squadron, Beggar Boys, Band Called Eric (with Jim, and Eddy Taylor), Still playing with Stuart in Rhythm Method on occasion, and also currently with Uninvited Guests, (now in their 13 th year). Plus various “deps”.
Ibanez Roadster bass with active/passive circuitry, precision and jazz pickups.
Kramer electro acoustic bass
Peavey 400BH amplifier linked to 400 watts of Eminence speakers.
No bloody pedals to trip over!
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