Mike Wilhelm

After 5 years spent playing with The CHARLATANS (those from Frisco, not the young guns from Manchester), 7 years with LOOSE GRAVEL, and 7 years with The FLAMIN' GROOVIES, one can say that MIKE WILHELM had one of the hell of a career !

Born in Los Angeles in 1942, MIKE learned the guitar at the age of 17. He spends the 50's listening to all kinds of popular music : blues, rock'n'roll, country... In the early 60's, he plays in californian clubs with other artists like Sonny & Brownie Mc Ghee, or The Chambers Brothers.

Even if they just released one album, The CHARLATANS are still appreciated among JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and GRATEFUL DEAD fans, as one of the most influencial West Coast players. They were, unfortunately, luckless with LOOSE GRAVEL, who never released any records during all the time they were together. Maybe their image of rough boys (they were the californian Hell's Angel's favorite band !) prevent them from the rock critics and records companies.

MIKE WILHELM joined The FLAMIN' GROOVIES in 1976. He recorded 2 LP with them. Well-respected by people like George THOROGOOD, Peter CASE or Chris BAILEY, MIKE also recorded 2 solo albums.

Those who already know MIKE are aware that he is a very talented musician, playing rock as well as folk & country.
His last release, "WOOD & WIRE", is one more proof of his admiration for the 12-string guitar. Through this album, we find all the emotive virtuosity that make MIKE WILHELM a living legend for a lot of music lovers.