The much-respected performer Mike Silver has notched up 50 years experience as an acoustic singer and songwriter and he tops the bill at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 23rd October.
Starting off as a 15 year old apprentice with the Gas Board at Croydon, Mike’s greater love of music was too big a pull. His first band, The Sundowners – a Brylcreemed duo that played Shadow’s material at youth club dances – was where his musical career started. In the mid ‘60s the music of Big Bill Broonzy, Bob Dylan and then Gerry Lockran in particular were his great influences.
Despite his 50 years as a professional musician, Mike flies under the radar and is another in the ‘best kept secret category’. His undoubted talents as a songwriter and performer plus his intricate guitar work are what makes a Mike Silver gig not to be missed. There is also a tremendous humour about the man. Mike is particularly pleased that he now has a Music Room at his home where his acoustic guitars adorn the walls. Guitar aficionados should visit his website and perhaps drool!
Mike writes thought provoking songs and whilst his set list will have an emphasis on his self-penned material, it is not to the exclusion of people like Dylan, Ray Charles plus some traditional melodies.
Playing music every day is for Mike, like having a birthday every day. Music still fascinates him. To him it’s a never-ending voyage of discovery and it’s that kind of enthusiasm that he communicates to audiences. And in answer to why is he still touring after 50 years, Mike says it’s the energy he gets from the applause or when someone takes the time to say ‘I liked that’.
Hear Mike Silver at Irvine Folk Club on 23rd October at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.
ALASTAIR McDONALD
A wee plug for Alastair’s upcoming concert at Ayr Gaiety on Tuesday 22nd October. The concert starts at 7.30pm and promises to be a good night.