The UK. I believe, has produced two of the greatest ever rock n roll stars. They are Darrel Higham and Mike Sanchez. The fact that they were both born well after rock 'n' roll's greatest commercial success should not, and does not, diminish their immense talent and star quality. They are not, however, world superstars.

Michael Madden is basically a fan of Mike Sanchez and he has produced a book based on Mike' memories, notes and opinions. It follows a straightforward chronological path and highlights how important his Spanish roots and blood are to him. You only have to look at that leering smile he has when playing, his pencil moustache and thick black hair. And then see photographs of his dad, basically a bald Mike. There is so much love as his Spanish family history is told, and how his parents had to leave Spain to escape the degradations of Franco's dictatorship.

Born in London, moved to the West Midlands, racist treatment and a burgeoning love of rock n roll, heavily down to our own Stuart Colman, who is paid a big tribute here, and friendship with Ian Jennings and one of his teachers, Ricky Cool (!), led to a determination to follow a rock n roll career. His Latin looks and musical talent led The Rockets, a rock n roll band of which he was the lead guitarist and vocalist. They went through a number of small gigs and membership changes, leading to better gigs and friendship and help from fellow Midlander, Robert Plant.

An interesting discussion of musical styles and development led to the formation of The Big Town Playboys on June 6th 1984, with Mike featured on his other instrument – the piano. They got bigger and bigger and were soon courted by a series of very big stars in rock music, who all loved the style of r&b that Mike and the boys loved, and played with scrupulous accuracy, and passion. There is then some serious name-dropping amongst their fans – really Mike's fans. And if you've seen them/him, you'll know why. He was a fabulous showman, as well as a perfectionist musician. More membership changes followed, and for those of us around at the time, it's an A-Z of great players.

Superstardom never followed, though, but Mike couldn't and wouldn't sell out his r&b style. "I'm Mike Sanchez, I do boogie-woogie and I do rhythm & blues That's me." Wonderful.

But the lack of that final breakthrough did break up The Big Town Playboys, and in 2000 Mike went solo, while at the same time trying to emulate Johnny Otis' R&B Revue with Imelda May and The Extraordinaires. Even that stellar line-up didn't bring the status it deserved, and it was a bit too hard to manage.

His biggest breakthrough was probably with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, for whom he was the undoubted star for four years. There is a very emotional and revealing Facebook post, quoted here in full, upon the death of his dad and then of his mother. He was obviously devoted to them both.

The story is brought up to date with Mike's marriage, the birth of his son and his own 50th birthday, and some very philosophical musings about the future, both his and the world's. Then there are his 50 most influential tracks (from names such as Little Richard, Amos Milburn, Charles Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Harpo and Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps), and a complete discography.

This is a very traditional type of biography without any frills or even analysis, but some great photos. It can have the feel of the authorised biography, which it is, as it contains very little criticism of its subject. Maybe there is nothing to be critical about. It certainly rings true to my few experiences of meeting Mike as the impression given here is exactly what I felt: that the wonderfully manic firebrand on stage was a quiet, shy gentleman off it.

Those of us who saw The Big Town Playboys or Mike alone, or his R&B Revue, will never ever forget the amazingly powerful impression he made, and this evocation of those days is very pleasurable, and nostalgic, with the feeling that maybe that rockin' scene has been lost forever. Not while we've got Mike Sanchez (and Darrel Higham, for that matter).

Pete Bowen, Now Dig This (July 2014)

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 blog (July 2014)

Although I have seen Mike play many times, in many outfits (the Playboys, with a guitar/bass/drums lineup, with horns and Imelda May, etc), I have only ever spoken to him once. The occasion was B&R's 200th issue party at the Friendly Inn in Burnley in 2005. There was another well-known UK guitarist present who I was acquainted with, and he mentioned that he fancied 'sitting in' with Mike. So I offered to ask Mike, the request was refused (as I thought it would be), however Mike was so polite about it, I walked away feeling like the boss had just handed me the keys to the executive washroom. Despite his dynamic onstage demeanour, I would not expect anything other than politeness from Mike Sanchez.

Mike Sanchez was born Jesus Miguel Sanchez in London's East End to Spanish parents on the 17th of February 1964. He learned the basics of the piano on an old upright that had been left in the Sanchez house by the previous occupants. At the age of eleven, his family moved to Bewdley in Worcestershire and in his high school years developed a strong love for 1950s American roots music. As a teenager he taught himself guitar and formed a rockabilly band called The Rockets. Ian Jennings was a mate, and one of his teachers was a certain Richard Rogers... aka Ricky Cool!

Mike became acquainted with former Chicken Shack guitarist Andy Silvester, which led to the founding of the Big Town Playboys in 1984, specialising in authentic post-war r&b. And the Sanchez story begins here. The people he has played/recorded with over the years are like a who's who of the UK and European blues and r&b scene, not forgetting the American visitors like Little Willie Littlefield, and heavy hitters on the UK scene including Jeff Beck and Bill Wyman.

At times this book reads like a gig diary with endless lists of dates, locations, changes of personnel (with associated ramifications!)... There are copious photographs and a discography (not a traditional discog though, no musicians' names included, just tracks, label name, etc). As an authorised biography, it's not a 'biting analysis' type of read, however if you have enjoyed Mike Sanchez's music as much as I have over the years, then I'd recommend purchase.

Phil Wight, Blues & Rhythm (September 2014)