Five Minutes With: Calgary Blues/Roots Musician Mike Clark

Alberta-based songwriter, recording artist and producer Mike Clark is a staple on the music scene in his home province and across Canada, as well as internationally as a horn section member of Tommy Castro’s Revue on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises.

While Mike is best known for his work as a saxophonist, he’s also an accomplished guitarist and singer who most often leads his own group, the Mike Clark Band. He’s also an in-demand sideman and studio session player. A busy musician owns his own club, Mikey’s on Twelfth in Calgary, a hot spot for music in the city of Calgary Alberta Canada.

Mike has released 6 full-length CDs, Saxman (2003), Clarkology (2004), Forever People (2017), Porch Songs(2010), Devil’s Playground (2020) and his latest Zero to Sixty released on March 22nd 2024. All feature Mike’s original songs along with a few choice covers.

All have received extensive airplay in Canada and around the world. With the Latest Release Zero to Sixty topping the Canadian Root Album Charts at #1 for the week of March 25th, 2024 The Mike Clark Band has appeared at Calgary International Blues Festival, Regina and Saskatoon Midwinter Bluesfests, North Country Fair, Pembina Nights, Calgary’s Bluezha Paloozha Blues Circus, and at notable clubs such as Blues on Whyte, Buds on Broadway, the Blues Can, and of course his own popular club, Mikey’s on Twelfth (where they host their famous Saturday jam), among them.

Mike has received 4 nominations for the Maple Blues Horn Player of the Year and was voted Sax Player of the Year for the Calgary Blues Music Association awards on two occasions. The Mike Clark Band were selected to represent southern Alberta at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and Mike performed with the Tommy Castro & the Painkillers on the LRBC (2020, 2022).

Mike Clark

Name:

Mike Clark

Genre:

Blues/Roots

Founded:

1963

# of Albums:

6

Latest Album:

Zero to Sixty

Latest Single:

Never Gonna Not

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Frank Zappa

Favourite musician now:

Dexter Gordon

Guilty pleasure song:

Man Eater by Hall and Oats

Live show ritual: 

A shot of Tequila

Favourite local musician:

Steve Pineo

EP or LP?

LP

Early bird or night owl?

Both

Road or studio?

Studio

Any shows or albums coming up?

Yard Bird Suite Edmonton May 12

Where can we follow you?

Spotify | Facebook | YouTube

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Mikeys on 12th

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

9th Ave SE. Lots of Venues

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Kananaskis Moutains

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Mikeys on 12th

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Long and McQuade

 

About Demian Vernieri 639 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.