Hailing from Salford (1962), MIKE WALKER picked up his brother's guitar at age 16 to trace the lush chords that had originally caught his ear in early Joni Mitchell songs and Weather Report instrumentals. Influenced in many directions by a broad spectrum, WALKER has become noted for his creativity, diversity and flexibility in a number of settings. A long list of distinguished collaborators and esteemed colleagues who have all recognised the breadth and wealth of WALKER'S talent include Steve Swallow, Dave Holland, Steve Rodby, Palle Danielson, Arild Anderson, Peter Erskine, Adam Nussbaum, John Marshall, Bob Moses, Bill Frisell, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Vince Mendoza, Mike Gibbs, Mark Anthony Turnage, Tal Farlow, Palle Mikkelborg, Mica Paris and Norma Winstone. He toured Europe and America, as well as recorded with the George Russell 'Living Time' Orchestra, with whom he was a member for 18 years. His debut album 'Madhouse and the Whole Thing There' was released in 2008 to wide critical acclaim. WALKER was additionally commissioned by Manchester Jazz Festival to produce his suite 'Ropes' for Jazz Quintet and 22-piece orchestra, featuring Adam Nussbaum. The recorded version will be released in Autumn 2016. In addition to his heavy touring and teaching schedule, WALKER is currently well-known for his work with the trans-atlantic group 'The Impossible Gentlemen', which he co-leads with the brilliant British pianist Gwilym Simcock, also featuring Adam Nussbaum, Steve Swallow and most recently Steve Rodby (Pat Metheny's resident bassist). The group has just produced their third album with outstanding critical praise.