Remember when you were at school there'd always be someone getting you to try and circle your tummy and pat the top of your head at the same time? I'm guessing it was never a problem for Mike Whellans to comply. The phrase 'one man band' carries various pejorative overtones, but you can forget all that when you see this man in action. With his right foot working the bass drum, the left on hi-hat duties, both hands playing guitar and mouth alternating between harmonica and vocals, it's an impressive act to watch.
The skinny septuagenarian (he says they call him 'the singing pipecleaner in Germany!) delivers a high energy performance, combining driving blues songs with a sharp sense of humour and an extensive back catalogue of stories about the blues musicians he's worked with during his long career. You wouldn't expect someone playing so many instruments at once to produce virtuoso solos, and that's the case here. But his playing is of a sufficient standard that if you shut your eyes you'd swear there was a pretty decent three piece blues band up on stage. And that he does indeed possess the ability to deliver a top class performance when he stands up with mike and harmonica and produces the highlight of the set. Smile On My Face combines said instrument with finger percussion and vocal gymnastics to create a truly memorable moment, Mike producing a long, complex and fascinating 'drum'solo using his very own "mouth percussion" technique. Fabulous stuff.
Engaging, foot tapping, inspiring, effervescent, an hour was far too short a time in which to fully appreciate the talent on offer. Mike Whellans is unique and real class act.
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