Mike Clark
Mike Clark: Bio
Mike Clark
Who is Mike Clark?
Mike Clark walked on stage more than two decades ago to begin his tenure as a blues, roots and jazz saxophonist. While studying for a Bachelor's degree in music at the University of British Columbia his artistry evolved and matured in the nightclubs of Vancouver and the lower mainland districts. Upon receiving his degree, he accepted a high school teaching position and continued performing in clubs and concert settings throughout the province.
In 1989 Mike's career as a professional musician took centre stage when he moved to Calgary. Within weeks of his arrival he was hired to perform with the legendary Clarence "Big" Miller. Mike's huge tone, authentic approach and expressive solos was the calling card he used to introduce himself to the hierarchy of performers in the city and expeditiously established himself as the number one call saxophonist on the blues and roots scene.
Mike truly is one of Canada's premiere blues and roots artists and has been nominated for a Maple Blues Award in the category of "Horn Player of the Year" for three consecutive years. In 2008 Mike has named Sax Player of the Year by the Calgary Blues Music Blues Music Association's Hall of Fame. He has performed with Albert Collins, Son Seals, Amos Garrett, The Downchild Bluesband, and Dutch Mason to name a few. He's recorded with Johnny V (If My Daddy Could See Me Now), Donald Ray Johnson (Pure Pleasure), Tim Williams (Live at Kaos), Ray Montana (Hip October), Steve Pineo (Steve Pineo with Horns) and can be heard on many other sessions. For the past 17 years Mike has hosted the popular Saturday afternoon jam at Morgans Pub now at his own club Mikey's Juke Joint & Eatery and now with two solo recordings under his belt (Saxman and Clarkology) he's assembled his own band in order to showcase his songwriting, singing and arranging prowess.
The core of The Mike Clark Band consists of Brain Pollack on bass, and Thom Moon on drums, a veteran rhythm section that's well-versed in the mastery of playing music as opposed to playing songs. On guitars are two of Canada's finest, Amos Garrett and Johnny V, both are well known for fronting their own projects, but always have time to perform with this dynamic unit. Add the "Where's My Money" horn section of Danny Michaels and Pete Fischer on saxes, along with Corby Dorner on piano and keyboards and you have The Mike Clark Big Band. Given sufficient notice, either version of these bands can be readied for your auditory titillation.