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British singer, pianist and guitarist Mike Sanchez is one of the most
exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in
the world today. His indelible image as a frenetic front man, pumping
powerful boogie-woogie from the piano in a soaking red suit, has won him
fans from all over the world and attracted a following from many famous
rock and blues legends who have lined up to work with him.
Mike is currently a full-time member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, now
fronting the band for the third year running alongside Georgie Fame,
Beverley Skeete, Albert Lee and Andy Fairweather Low on their annual world
tours.
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Outside of Rhythm King commitments, Mike is involved in a number of
recording projects and touring line-ups, most notably his 8-piece outfit
including legendary guitarist Andy Silvester, ex-Biscuit Boy bassist Al
Gare, drummer Mark Morgan, vocalist Imelda Clabby and The Harlem Horns (Al
Nicholls, Dave Priseman, Pete Cook). This band's 2001 release 'Blue Boy'
(MS 003) continues to receive fabulous reviews throughout the blues and
rockin' scenes across the UK and Europe.
Mike has launched his own label and
on-line store Doopin Music at
www.doopin.com where the first release
was Mike's collaboration with top Swedish bluesmen Knock-Out Greg & Blue
Weather, creating the hot rockin' album 'Women & Cadillacs' also released
on the Swedish label Last Buzz Records. In 2002 Mike released a debut 85
minute video titled 'Red Hot…Live!' featuring live footage of his solo
act, his UK band and The Mike Sanchez Rhythm & Blues Revue, an Alan
Freed/Johnny Otis style rock'n'roll show starring doo-wop vocal trio The
Extraordinaires and the stunning vocalist Imelda Clabby. This video has
now also been released on DVD. Up and coming releases on Doopin Music for
2004 include a debut Rhythm & Blues Revue double album and a collection of
tracks with some of Mike's star friends including the legendary Albert
Lee. 2004 has also seen Mike as co-producer and
film soundtrack recording artist for the movie 'I’ll Be There' starring
Charlotte Church and Craig Ferguson.
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Mike Sanchez was born Jesus Miguel Sanchez Bastida in London's East End to
Spanish parents Jesus and Manola on the 17th of February 1964. At the age
of eleven, his family moved to Worcestershire in the West Midlands where
Mike took up the piano, developing a strong love for 1950s' American roots
music through his high school years. As a teenager he taught himself
guitar and formed The Rockets, a rockabilly trio. Mike was soon introduced
to former Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown and Steve Gibbons'
multi-instrumentalist Andy Silvester by Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, which
led to the founding of the Big Town Playboys in 1984, specialising in
authentic post-war Rhythm & Blues. Procol Harum pianist.
Gary Brooker became an early fan and introduced Mike to his friends
Eric Clapton and Amen Corner's Andy Fairweather Low. The latter signed up
as guitarist with the Big Town Playboys for two years in the 1990s.
Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood is another good friend who regularly
involves Mike in his plans wherever possible. Mike recorded a number of
albums including the classic rockabilly album 'Crazy Legs' with guitar
great Jeff Beck in 1993.
Click
here to
visit Mike's website
Click
here to buy
his CD's & DVD's
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The Big Town Playboys had various stints opening for Eric Clapton at
London's Royal Albert Hall and appeared at many European music festivals,
backing bluesmen like Lowell Fulson, Don & Dewey, Joe Hughes, Jimmy
Nelson, Carey Bell and the great Little Willie Littlefield. Last year Mike
was honoured to be voted 'UK Keyboard Player of the Year' for the fourth
year running by the well-established magazine Blues in Britain.
Mike's main aim has always been to make every live show his best
yet as he continuously enjoys growing acclaim and admiration for his
electrifying stage performances from new and old fans of all age groups
across the world.
Mike will be performing at
the Motorsport Enthusiast
Charity
Dinner on Sat 20th November 2004 at the Festival of Motorsport at Aintree Racecourse.
Tickets are £49 including
VAT per person to include dinner, wine and entertainment - call 0151
285 3895 to book your place(s).
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