Mike Sanchez

MIKE SANCHEZ is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in the world today. This fantastic singer, pianist and guitarist is currently a full-time member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, now fronting the band for the third year running alongside Georgie Fame, Albert Lee and Andy Fairweather Low on their annual world tours.

In 2003 Mike was honoured to be voted 'UK Keyboard Player of the Year' for the fourth year running by "Blues in Britain" magazine. 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.

Outside of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings commitments, Mike is involved in a number of recording projects and touring line-ups, most notably his eight -piece band, whose 2001 release 'Blue Boy' continues to receive fabulous reviews throughout the blues and rockin' scenes across the UK and Europe. In 1993 Mike recorded the classic rockabilly album 'Crazy Legs' with Jeff Beck

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. Mike's other up and coming releases include The Mike Sanchez Rhythm & Blues Revue double album and a collection of tracks recorded with some of Mike's star friends including the legendary Albert Lee.

Mike Sanchez was born Jesus Miguel Sanchez Bastida in 1964, in London's East End to Spanish parents. At the age of eleven, 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.

An introduction by Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant to multi-instrumentalist Andy Silvester (ex Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown and Steve Gibbons Band) led Mike & Andy forming The Big Town Playboys in 1984, specialising in authentic post-war Rhythm & Blues. Andy Fairweather Low was guitarist with the band for two years. 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.

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.

For further info, check out www.mikesanchez.co.uk

Discography:

• "Red Hot - Live!" (DVD)
  Mike's long awaited DVD debut is now available. Two hours of non-stop rhythm & blues including Red Hot Mama", "Baby Please", "I'm Mad", In The Middle Of The Night" and many more, performed by Mike with his critically acclaimed R'n'B Revue as well as with his seven piece big band, his 4 piece and solo. Extras include new material shot at The Jazz and Roots Club, Shrewsbury in December 2002.
• "Women & Cadillacs"
  Mike teams up with Scandinavia's finest rockin' blues combo Knock-Out Greg & Blue Weather to deliver a cocktail of vintage styles from the West coast to Texas to New Orleans to Memphis to Chicago. This CD includes 16 new and classic tracks tastfully packaged in a booklet style six page digi pack.
• Bootleg Kings - On The Road Again
  The new album of live rock'n'roll and blues cuts from the 2002 UK tour by former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman with his band The Rhythm Kings. Mike Sanchez is featured singing on five tracks from the songbooks of Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Brook Benton, Mac Rebennack and The Big Bopper. This album also features fellow Rhythm Kings Georgie Fame, Albert Lee and Beverly Skeete plus an addition bonus track featuring the late great Lonnie Donegan.
• Blue Boy
  The critically acclaimed good rockin' album from 2001 by Mike Sanchez and his Band. With 'Blue Boy' ,Mike has gone back to his roots to create an album of quirky covers. Teaming up with guitarist Andy Silvester, bassist Al Gare and drummer Mark Morgan, with saxman Al Nicholls, trumpeter Dave Priseman and special guest harmonica from Ricky Cool, a frantic fare of red hot rockabilly and rhythm 'n' blues. A classic rhythm & blues album.
• Just Can't Afford It
  His first release since leaving the Big Town Playboys at the end of 1999, this album is packed full of rockin' rhythms and piano beating boogies as well as some smouldering love songs celebrating Mike's Hispanic heritage. Mike plays all the piano, guitar and bass with a little help from Mark Morgan on drums and Al Nicholls & Paul Clarke on saxes.