Mike Painter

Mike Painter. Musician and composer from Milan, started out his career in the early ‘80s as keyboard player with “Four by Art”, an historical band from the Sixties Revival Italian Mod scene.. From then on, he joined several bands, such as “The Investigators”, “Il Santo” and “Mr.Tokyo & The Beat Goes On”. And the solo project “Mike Painter & The Family Shakers”. From Jimmy Smith to Booker T & The MG’s, From Jimmy Mc Griff to Billy Preston, these are just a few amongst the most well known names that made the history of this genre, which inspired his own sound, making him a reference point both as Mod icon in the Italian scene, and in the ‘60s and ‘70s style Spy-movies field. The single “Go Up” from his debut album as a solo artist, distributed by the Family Affair label, became the soundtrack for the TV advert “Kronos Shoes” (starring Filippo Nardi, ex Iene as testimonial). Inspired by the British TV Series U.F.O., he arranged an instrumental version, which in turn was picked up by the Acid Jazz record label. More tracks were then published by Irma Record and Record Kick labels. Further, he worked with the American record label “Hammond Beat”, composing music for the Wilson Chance movie soundtrack. He has been taking part of the most important and influential International Mod/Sixties festivals, such as Beat Epoque, Festival Lounge, All Saint Mod Holiday, and the Sunslice Festival held in Toulon, France, critically acclaimed by the foreign and local press as Rockerilla, Rockstar and Acid Jazz magazines. In 2008, he met up with Viola Road starting a new band “Mike Painter Quintet & Viola Road”. Singer/songwriter Viola Road is one of best loved and appreciated voices in the soul scene in Milan. She sings melodies and writes lyrics for the Mike Painter Quintet with whom he performed and cut tracks for the album “Hammond Voice”. Also, she is currently writing and performing with soul band with psychedelic and hard rock influences “Lord Shani”, and together have recorded the album”Progress Your Soul”. From 2009 to 2011, Mike Painter Quintet & Viola Road have had a residency at the Connie Douglas Club, Milan, the temple of the Burlesque in town. Furthermore, they play at cocktail parties held at the Hotel Maison Moschino, as well as at the Triennale Fair of Milan, where they played for the opening of Designer Luigi Colani’s Museum and many more dates. The band recorded the album “Hammond Voice” in 2012, coming out with two promo videos : “Not One Drop” and “Lies”. The record includes 10 tunes, original songs, instrumental tracks and covers, enriched with fascinating soul and vibes so typical of the Mod and Rhythm & Blus cultures.