MIKE SPONZA

“Extremely entertaining: if you were wondering what is happening in central Europe, this shows it to be something extremely interesting! A blues innovator.” This is how the British magazine “Bluesmatters!” reviews Mike Sponza, the real “new thing” from the Italian blues scene. Blues, soul e rock’n’roll are the key words for describing Mike Sponza, guitarist, singer and composer, on the European blues panorama since early 90’s. A lifetime commitment to develop a personal style, contemporary and rich of different flavours. Original tunes and detailed arrangements are the main ingredients of Mike’s music.In the last years Mike Sponza established his name on the international scene with his discographic projetcs and his performances, showing the great vitality of Italian blues from a new point of view. Since his discographic debut in 1997, Mike did a long road, not only on the artistic side: international festivals, club gigs and cooperations catalyzed the attention of blues audiences on his vision of a contemporary European blues, which is not afraid of purists’ opinions as well as avoiding overseas stereotypes. In 2005 Mike Sponza started the project “Kakanic Blues” the first Central European blues initiative: a cd and a dvd have been released under the name “Central Europe Blues Convention” with some of the most outstanding musicians of this area and guitar legend Carl Verheyen, as special guest. The project has been reviewed worldwide with a strong interest for the musical results as well as for the cultural, social and political background, where musicians find a common language and understanding in the blues. In 2008 the cd “Kakanic Blues 2.0” is released with the partecipation of 25 musicians from Italy, Austria, Slovenja, Croatia, Serbja, Hungary, Ireland, Great Britain, USA, including as special guests the great Ian Siegal and Carl Verheyen.In 2009 the new project is launched: MIKE SPONZA & THE EUROPEAN BLUES CONVENTION with guests from all over Europe.DISCOGRAPHY - 1996: “This Is My Story” Compilation (Sony Rec.) - 1996: “Half & Half” Vol. 1 with Guido Toffoletti, Special Guest Billy Branch - 1997: “News For You” - 1998: “Half & Half” Vol. 2 with Guido Toffoletti, Special Guest Kim Simmonds - 1999: “Half & Half” Vol. 3 with Guido Toffoletti, Special Guest Louisiana Red - 2001: “Trieste Live!” Compilation - 2002: “Soul Est” Compilation - 2003: “Mike Sponza” feat. Duke Robillard & Herbie Goins - 2003: “The Organ Is ‘Mo” Organ Beat Trio feat. Mike Sponza - 2004: “Flavours” Matyas Pribojszki Band feat. Mike Sponza - 2005: “Groovin’ In The Blues” Italian blues compilation - 2005: “Kakanic Blues” Mike Sponza & Central Europe Blues Convention “Live on Blues Island” Mike Sponza with Kay Foster Jackson - 2006: “Jump Or Stay” Doctor Love Band feat. Mike Sponza “Live In Italy” Mike Sponza & Central Europe Blues Convention DVD - 2007: “Live in Europe” Mike Sponza & Vincent Williams - 2008: “Kakanic Blues 2.0” Mike Sponza & Central Europe Blues Convention - 2009: “Fo’ Sho & Hole Lot ‘Mo” Mike Sponza & Joyce Yuille