BIOGRAPHY

Mike Garner has lived in New Zealand from 1987, and is heavily involved in the New Zealand blues scene. Mike works solo, as a duo, trio, or full band and gigs extensively throughout the New Zealand.

His first solo recording, "Shades of Blue"  (1993) was well received, and his first NZ band, The Blues Healers, played many major New Zealand festivals. The Blues Healers line-up included Mike's son, Paul Garner on lead guitar who commenced guitar at age 5, and was performing professionally with Mike from the age of 16. Paul now lives in London where he has his own band.

In 1999, Mike's new band, Steppin  Out, recorded a CD titled: "Stepping Out To The Blues".  This album featured a number of original songs. This band played extensively at NZ & Australian festivals, and appeared on NZ Television and ABC Hobart. A live CD was recorded at the Montana National Jazz Festival 2001 - "Live At The Lonestar".

Mike's 2003 solo album "Still Your Lovin  Man"  which consists of originals and acoustic blues standards, with all the instruments played by himself - acoustic guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, harmonica, bass, etc…

In 2003 Mike toured Australia solo, with appearances at many festivals (including the prestigious Frankston International Guitar Festival), and at many top Australian venues, including Sydney's Basement.

"Drivin'  With The Blues"  was released in early 2004. Featuring mostly original songs it has received airplay in NZ, Australia, Germany and Norway. NZ Musician magazine said
"Good songs, well sung with plenty of grit. 'Drivin' With The Blues' is one of the best acoustic blues albums to come out of this little country."

In September 2004, Mike played solo concerts in German and Italy and in April/May 2005 he toured NSW with percussionist, Warren Houston.

Mike released his 4th CD, "Cad's Alley", in January 2007. It was recorded at Aztek Studio, Rotorua. Mostly including Mike’s songs, it is a blend of acoustic and electric ensembles and fuses blues with other styles, often with a flavour of the Pacific. It features guest appearances by Jan Preston (AUS), Paul Garner (UK) and others from the Bay of Plenty, NZ, blues scene. A cut from “Cad’s Alley”, with Jan Preston on piano,  also features on a 2007 compilation “Harmonica Masters of NZ” and was played on USA syndicated blues show “House of Blues Hour”, hosted by Dan Ackroyd.Another cut from “Cad’s Alley”, Louisiana Hurricane, won 3rd place in the International Song Competition, Nashville, – the only Americana finalist from the entire southern hemisphere!