The compelling story of one of the foremost exponents of authentic rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll in the world today. Michael Madden has been given full access to a vast archive of material charting Mike Sanchez's journey from his Spanish roots through an eventful 35 year musical career that has seen him progress through the ranks of the Rockets, the Big Town Playboys and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings to fronting his own band and performing with some of the biggest names of the rock world including Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and Jeff Beck. The text is illuminated with comments from many friends, fans and fellow musicians, and generously illustrated with many rare / previously unseen photographs.
"Couldn't put the book down, a page-turner from cover to cover... Michael Madden's attention to detail is outstanding, he manages to cram the book full of detailed, year on year accounts whilst at the same time keeping the pace going. The inclusion of chapter 12; 'Mike on Music' provides a wonderful insight into Mike's understanding of musical history and into his extensive repertoire. For anyone who has, like myself, ever wondered why Mike Sanchez has never been given the extensive spotlight of other so called 'niche artists' such as Jools Holland or Jamie Cullum, Big Town Playboy delivers a superb insight into the life and times of the man himself. This book could easily be used as a textbook on how to make a living and a legacy in the music business outside of the mainstream. Five stars all week and twice on Sunday." Louise Digman, Estonia
Mike Sanchez would have invented rocknroll if no one else had bothered Mark Lamarr
He is our Little Richard, with a bit of Jerry Lee Lewis thrown in Jeff Beck
People who see him never forget him Albert Lee
What other people were doing in the studio, he did on the stage, and he did it fantastically well Bill Wyman
Mike has got that natural talent. Like John McEnroe at tennis or David Beckham at football, Mike has that on piano Andy Fairweather-Low
Hes a great singer, musician and songwriter, and a brilliant entertainer Imelda May
Mike Sanchez deserves the best because he is the best Rick Vito
"It certainly rings true to my few experiences of meeting Mike as the impression given here is exactly what I felt: that the wonddefully manic firebrand on stage was a quiet, sy gentleman off it." - Pete Bowen, Now Dig This, July 2014
