Mike Sanchez – Big Town Playboy by Michael Madden Review
Reviewed by Michael Lancaster
Chances are dear reader that you have not heard of Mike Sanchez. If you think he may be the latest from the conveyor belt of Simon Cowell influenced wannabes then let me assure you that Mike is nothing of the sort. He is the genuine article that you would not find performing (miming to you and me) his latest single.
Mike was born in London in 1964 to Spanish parents and encountered prejudice. The family moved to Bewdley, Worcestershire when he was 11 and this area provided a stable base for many years. An early musical influence was a teacher who had performed in several doo wop style groups as Ricky Cool with the best known being Ricky Cool and the Rialtos. It was during this period that he started to develop his left hand boogie rhythms that are such a feature of his live work.
The original Big Town Playboys were formed in 1984 and the line-up included the aforementioned Mr Cool. Their first album was cut live the following year at the legendary Dublin Castle in Camden Town. They garnered a solid reputation for their live performances and worked with the likes of Robert Plant and Eric Clapton. For the latter they supported him for six nights at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990. At this time Mike was starting some solo gigs to augment his BTP earnings.
Sanchez departed the Big Town Playboys at the end of 1999. By 2001 he was a featured member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. When this expired he formed his own seven-piece band and worked with Imelda May for the first time. He currently fronts a six-piece outfit, Mike Sanchez and his Band. For many years he was based in Bewdley but family issues have meant that he is now largely resident in Spain.
Mike Sanchez is one of the most electrifying performers you could possibly wish to see so do check his website for gigs. To describe Mike in one phrase I am reminded of a classic line from Jerry Lee Lewis “my heart is beating rhythm and my soul is singing the blues”. The book has been crafted by Michael Madden and an excellent read it is. It was Michael’s wife who suggested the book to Mike. I suspect that Mike, without a high profile, was surprised at the approach. That said he has obviously assisted the author greatly with very readable results.
Please do not visit your local WHS or Waterstones expecting to find the book waiting for you. It will not reach a mass audience so is unlikely to be stocked by the multiple book retailers. Better bet by far is to engage with Amazon or order direct from the publisher, Music Mentor Books.
Final thought on the publisher. I was not aware of them till reviewing this book. If you like your roots music then do check their website as they have issued several books that might just appeal.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £21.99
Available to buy from Music Mentor Books here or Amazon here.
