Born June 8, 1932 in Long Beach, CA, Mike Taylor whose musical roots lie in Gospel and Classical music has been playing piano since the age of seven and distinguished himself at church recitals early on. In his early teens as a result of discovering Pete Johnson, Mead Lux Lewis, and Albert Ammons, he shifted his attention to Boogie Woogie. This ultimately led him to Jazz and the Blues under the influences of Ray Charles, Errol Garner, Art Tatum, and Charlie Parker.

In the 1950’s, Mike furthered his musical proficiency through private studies and 12 hours a day practice sessions. Three years later, he embarked on his career as a professional musician touring with various bands along the West Coast. In 1959, Mike moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, favorably received there with an open-ended contract at the then well-known Harlem Nocturn.

In the 1960’s, Mike extensively toured throughout Oregon, Washington states, and Western Canada. On special occasions, Mike had the opportunity to play in the company of Jazz Greats such as Charles Mingus, Danny Richmond, Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, John Handy, the Montgommery Brothers, Cannonball Aderley, Josh White, and others who visited Vancouver’s night spot “The Cellar”. He also recorded his first album, One Saturday Afternoon, with Chuck Logan and Loris Elliot.

In the 1970’s, the release of his album, Brute Force (Van-Los), with Albert StAlbert, Gavin Walker, and Martel Singleterry, to numerous engagements: concerts, CBC Radio and televisions shows, along with club, restaurant and hotel venues. In 1976, Mike opened and operated his own theatre-restaurant Jablu where he performed nightly on piano and B3 organ, featuring talented local and international artists. To this day, Jablu is talked about for its uniqueness and tribute to Jazz and Blues in the city of Vancouver.

In 1980, Mike is invited to Quebec City to introduce a new Jazz club, Le Jazze, with a two year contract. While there, he performed with the Earl Hines Quintet and Big Mama Thorten. 1982 finds this jazzman well established and contracted by L’Anberge des Gouverneurs hotel chain for their first time jazz bar, L’Autre, at the oldest of their establishments. Mike’s album Why Not Now (L’Enclume) was released the same year and received a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating in Downbeat Magazine Record Review (June 1982, vol.49, no.6). Reviewer John Surman wrote: “… Mike Taylor is someone to write home about… he displays some of the best Jazz/Blues piano North of Jay Mcshann…”

In 1983, Mike returned to Vancouver with a teaching position at Malaspina College, Nanaimo, and a number of engagements around the city. He recorded his concert, The Spirit of Jazz Live at The Planetarium, featuring Wyatt Ruther and Liston Pickering. In 1984, The Arts Club Theatre contracted Mike as the pianist for their off-Broadway production of Ain’t Misbehavin, The Fats Waller Musical. This show posting over 1,000 performances gave this artist the opportunity to display his remarkable mastery of stride piano.

In the late 1980’s, Mike moved to Los Angeles and was reunited with friend and fellow musician, George Griffin. Together they performed at various clubs such as: Birdland West, The Red Onion, Catalina Bar and Grill, and Nucleus Nuance. In June 1996, Mike who “… can give Oscar Peterson a run for his money…” (Mark Andrews, The Vancouver Sun, Sept. 26, 1977} concluded a three-year solo piano engagement at Riccio’s Restaurant in Palm Springs. In June 2002, he completed a three season contract at Jillian’s in Palm Desert.

Mike is now involved with teaching and recording at his home studio, and fulfilling short term engagements.

This well-seasoned musician plays with total spontaneity and delivers not only magnificent Jazz, Blues, and Gospel sounds, but is also able to call on a repertoire of well over 500 old favorites, standards, and show tunes, which can satisfy even the most discriminating listener.