Mike Nielsen

About this event

Mike Nielsen is noted for his innovative performances and research. He has shared the stage with many international stars including Dave Liebman, Larry Coryell, Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Kenny Wheeler, Dominique Di Piazza and Paul Wertico.

"— fearless, endlessly innovative, and gifted with boundless musical curiosity." Galway Jazz

As a soloist, Mike has toured extensively and he opened for John McLaughlin in Vicar Street on his first visit to Dublin. Mike’s performance-based qualifications include a PhD in microtonal improvisation, microtonal vocal development, composition and scale and guitar design. He also holds an MPhil in physics and music (First Award), LTCL in classical guitar performance, in addition to, a two-year study period at Berklee College of Music, Boston where he received the Jim Hall Incentive Award.

In 2016, German publishers Schott published his book on rhythm as part of their new Jazz Handbook series. A lecturer in Jazz at TU Dublin, Mike initiated a Masters in Jazz Performance and wrote a jazz guitar syllabus which was implemented in 2018. He is a recipient of several Arts Council Awards. Since 2018, he has collaborated with singer Sibéal as arranger and performer. Her debut EP was recorded at Abbey Road studios.

His solo music, which includes original compositions is performed on a classical guitar and is influenced by an eclectic musical taste including jazz, classical, flamenco, Latin, African, rock and Indian music. In 2001, a recorded solo concert at Rathfarnham Castle was promoted worldwide by Fáilte Ireland. Mike features on 25 recordings as leader and sideman including two with former Miles Davis sax player, Dave Liebman. Mike’s recent solo and microtonal guitar CDs were released by modalcitizenrecords.com to critical acclaim.

"...at the start of his journey, Nielsen was already one of Ireland’s most respected jazz musicians with an international reputation as an innovator, but the guitarist’s artistic courage now places him among the most intrepid pioneers in jazz" The Irish Times