Mike Walker, Madhouse And The Whole Thing There

Has an immediate appeal as the composistions and playing are quite accessible. Mikes playing references the blues a lot which immediately gives you something to get a handle on. If you ever get a chance to see Mike live I can guarantee when he "gives it some" the hairs on the back of your neck will stand up. Maybe the third track "In two minds" is a bit of superfluous filler but it's nice in that this track is kind of outlet for the more harmonically out aspect of his playing.

As with the previous reviewer I agree that Iain Dixon's playing is just another reason to love this album. The solo on Owed to JC sounds bubbles along beautifully with just enough skilful negotiation of some harmonically outside sequences to let you know you're listening to someone who is playing what they hear.

Mike Walker, Madhouse And The Whole Thing There is difficult to pigeonhole as simply "Jazz" - there is just so much music here - I think this album is a feast for the senses and in my view, an instant classic. Epic in scope, yet immensely approachable, those who know Mike Walker purely for his familiar, formidable, laugh out loud quality guitar playing cannot fail to be impressed by the subtleties, vision and breadth of the compositions on display here. Adding another string to his bow - several,in fact, in the case of the first track "A Real Embrace" - the writing is deep rooted and intense in places, yet it remains wholly accessible and draws consistently out of this world performances from the assembled cast, repaying repeated listens with hidden gems revealing themselves from within the mix. Mention must be made of Iain Dixon, who, in addition to co-producing, gives an absolute masterclass in saxophone and clarinet playing throughout and Mikey Wilson whose tight, restrained-yet-on-the-verge-of-boiling-over drumming keeps the engine room cooking nicely. If you enjoy high quality music at all and you get chance, I highly recommend you check this CD out, it's the real deal.

Had high expectorations of Mike Walkers d but album, Madhouse And The Whole Thing There.It took a few plays to understand it, but once I got it, I found it really enjoyable to listen to.His guitar playing is inspirational.