Mike Silver: December 9th 2005
From Mike Silver’s Website ..
Now based in Launceston,
Cornwall, Mike Silver has been writing and playing music for more than
30 years, enjoying a quiet success story throughout the UK and in
various territories around the world. Signed to Elton John’s Rocket
Records in 1973, Silver was based in the States for a while and toured
the USA with the likes of Dory Previn and Ashford & Simpson. In fact
during his time under contract to Rocket he actually had a chance
encounter with John Lennon, ask him what they discussed and he will
tell you Liverpool FC. Mike has been a supporter since childhood as
was Lennon! His ability to write and perform songs, which transcend many
guitar and musical styles, has been recognised by the likes of The Moody Blues, Ray Thomas and
Justin Hayward who recorded Mike’s song, Maybe It’s Just Love
on his
solo album Night Flight.
Mike is a consummate guitarist and always catches his audiences by surprise with that little extra bit of dexterity, just when they least expect it. His voice is full and crystal clear and his skill with an audience is outstanding. Mike is in a class of his own when it comes to writing and performing, and his skill in the arrangement of the compositions of other writers is remarkable, making them all his own in the process. He makes audience involvement an art form, it’s because of the songs and the way he delivers them; people just can’t resist the opportunity to take part in his music. From a main stage to those taking their turn in back room pub sessions, people sing Mike’s songs in clubs and at festivals all over the UK and in Europe too.
Mike Silver’s songs are of longing, love and loss, perceptive and thoughtful, with haunting melodies and heart stopping lyrics. This most accomplished acoustic artist sings and records a series of thoughts and feelings that are special and magical. Yet his music addresses every day issues without being trite, reaching out to a wide audience. With a voice that is as warm and inviting as the fire in the fireplace on a cold winter’s night, Mike is an outstanding treasure amidst the crowd. Recommended to all who thrive on the sensitivity of our existence; all in all he’s a wonderful musician.
A colleague said, Mike possesses that unique ability to sing and play
the guitar in a way that combines the two to form a sublime musical
entity
. The truth is a powerful thing, after seeing and hearing Mike
perform for the first time one fan, among so many who have written in
said, I will never forget that evening at Hitchin. I didn't expect to
find heaven in The Sun Hotel.
Variously reminiscent of James Taylor, Phil Collins, even Sting, Silver matches the talent of his better-known peers; his beautifully restrained delivery is especially noteworthy. Silver produces the goods – something that will come as no surprise to his loyal fans. For anyone else, if songwriters who can really sing and play are your thing, discover Silver with haste.
Mike Silver’s website can be found at http://www.mikesilver.co.uk/html/the_man.html