Ahead of his Hot Spot Music Club gig and blues guitar workshop this Saturday, February 6th, Mike Brookfield shares the tracks that got him here, and that still take him there…
I feel like i’ve been doing it so long there’s never been a time before it all started.
My parents were huge music lovers and from an early age I was surrounded by iconic album covers, where discussions of Dylan lyrics and favorite guitar solos were commonplace. I was lucky enough to study with jazz guru Charlie Banacos for 9 years and start my career in London’s West End Theatres. Once you are in that deep there’s no turning back. Songwriting and playing blues guitar is a fun way to spend your time, so I consider myself very lucky.
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out Derek & The Dominos
For me one of the greatest bands ever! They had it all in killer vocals and playing, plus amazing songs, but the Dominos appetite for party substances at the time meant we only got the one proper studio album. Pity that, but what an album – Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs is a masterpiece!
Who I Am (from Jellycream) Doyle Bramhall II
Doyle is best known as Clapton’s producer and sideman but I rate him as one of the coolest of all the modern era songwriting bluesmen. For me, blues delivery has gotta have effortless swagger, and Doyle has it in spades.
Thunder Road Bruce Springsteen
You know how it goes… The screen door slams, Mary’s dress waves – and we all fall into a daydream… I don’t trust anyone that doesn’t like Springsteen.
Mystery Train Elvis Presley
Now that’s a proper guitar sound. Even with all the modern recording technology, the Elvis Sun records era still take some beating for energy and excitement.
A Million Miles Away (from Irish Tour) Rory Gallagher
I used to go to the Royal court in Liverpool with my Dad and watch Rory. He just loved to play live and was a great entertainer…
Tin Pan Alley Stevie Ray Vaughan
Sax players will study Coltrane, blues guitarists will study Stevie. He was almost superhuman, a titan of technique, touch and tone…
Fire And Water Free
A great album, Kossoff is the perfect example of how you don’t need to play guitar fast to kill it!
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long Otis Redding
It’s not all about the guitar, of course. Expression and songwriting is the most important thing to me. Otis was off the scale, and has long been my favourite singer since that cassette tape I had as a teenager.
Mike Brookfield will be rocking the crap out of The Hot Spot on Saturday, February 6th – tickets €10 or €8 in advance from the venue or Vintage La Touche on Trafalgar Road. Alternatively, you can call the Hot Spot on 0872917519.