Born (1967) and raised in London Mike immigrated to Perth, Australia with his family at the age of thirteen. It was Mike's sister's cheap classical guitar which drew him to his first explorations in music. During his early twenties Mike's musical journey was deepened after meeting the sensational Indonesian session guitarist Dilli Rihenna in the unlikely Aboriginal township of Roebourne, WA. "Dilli’s approach to learning the guitar was to revolutionize my whole musical experience.
His thorough understanding of the mechanics of music and the functions of the guitar inspired me to follow suit." The North West town of Karratha proved to be fertile soil in which Mike's early live experiences could develop into a solid repertoire of early Blues standards. Utilising both Dobro Resonator Guitar and Acoustic Guitar, from time to time he would perform at the Walkington Theatre where he was able to support and learn from a number of significant travelling Australian artists and groups. Still in the North West, by 1999 Mike had formed a partnership with harmonica player Mark Whinnen and a duo called “The Mudcats” was born. The Mudcats developed a good reputation in the area for performing vibrant Delta and Texas style blues.
Mike is currently living in Fremantle, Western Australia, and regularly performs as a solo artist utilising bluesy vocals, harmonica (employed in a neck brace), lap steel, 12 string, resonator guitar, ukkulele, acoustic guitars and a stomp box (basically a miked wooden box for a kick drum effect!). Incorporating elements as varied as Piedmont Blues, subtle Jazz, delta style blues, folk and even Indian ragas, Mike's musical style has become somewhat more eclectic in recent years.
Live shows are a powerful showcase of this rootsy, earthy style. Musicianship, professionality and commanding vocal and instrumental delivery provide a captivating showcase for the discerning listener. A full house dancing to the tune of a solo artist is evidence enough in itself. As they say, "The proofs in the Pudding", and this performer lacks no ingredients!
Releases
EP Norfolk Lane(2002)
On a backdrop of silence (2004)
Frontline (2008)
Credits Airplay
Reviews
Am listening to stuff I had not heard before, and I am so enthralled by you. You, Sir, are one of the most talented artists I have met to date. It is an honor and a privilege to know you.
Nana Mex
Mike De Velta’s skiffly vocals over his dobro & ukulele are irresistable. His rickety-tickety pace & frenetic harmonica on ’Come back baby’ are plain old good time fun" "South Australian Roots and Blues" A fine acoustic album indeed.Stand out tracks for me in "Fav" order are: 4-9-5-1-2 as well as a couple of nice instrumentals.
Terry "Tekka" Iredale DJ of HotFM "
Lady Luck -An interesting arrangement & song that someone like Paul Simon would have been proud of. Although probably "labeled" a modern folk/roots love song it had a medieval ballad feel to it for me that really works".Bill Dewdney DJ of Highway 49 Blues 2CCC
Mike De Velta’s skiffly vocals over his dobro & ukulele are irresistable. His rickety-tickety pace & frenetic harmonica on ‘Come back baby’ are plain old good time fun”
South Australian Roots and Blues
“Lady Luck – An interesting arrangement & song that someone like Paul Simon would have been proud of. Although probably “labeled” a modern folk/roots love song it had a medieval ballad feel to it for me that really works”.
Bill Dewdney, DJ of Highway 49 Blues 2CCC
Mike De Velta’s up-tempo ‘Come Back Baby’ features an extremely talented harp player who drives the lively pace of this punchy, rootsy toe-tapper. Spoons, bones or other simple percussion device add a brilliantly primitive under-current to a track featuring rich, clear vocals. His ‘Fifteen Days’ is the least bluesy of all the tracks but is a very tuneful acoustic piece. The slight hollow echo effect on the mike and bluish turnarounds make this an interesting listen.
Steve Barnes, The Blue Note
A fine acoustic album indeed.Stand out tracks for me in “Fav” order are: 4-9-5-1-2 as well as a couple of nice instrumentals.(Referring to “On a Backdrop of Silence”)
Terry “Tekka” Iredale, DJ of HotFM
Mike De Velta’s track, 15 Days is the most sophisticated on the disc. A solo acoustic song full of rich jazz harmonies reminding us that the boundary between blues and not blues cannot be easily defined, and perhaps nor should it.
Michael Hardy , CanberraBlues Society
PETE’S POEM
One thing that will make your life complete
Is listening to Mike De Velta
With slide guitar finger style, folk and
Blues from down the delta
With a ukulele, lap guitar he doesn’t need 17 lagers
There’s nothing this man can’t do
He even does Indian ragas
So lay back in the Nannup hall
There’s no need to swelter
Just sit back and listen to a master musician
The legendary Mike De Velta
Peter Capp, Nannup Music Festival WA
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