Mike Outram’s Weblog

I play in a band with Asaf Sirkis and Steve Lodder, it’s called the Inner Noise. It’s an unusual line up in that we use church organ, gtr and drums and because of this it’s a reviewer’s dream band. Here are some of the best review/quotes…

• ‘The Phantom of the Opera Meets The Who.’ - Pittsburgh Tribune Review

• The drama comes in the contrast between sepulchral chill (Lodder) and the forces of light (Outram), as Sirkis splinters the rhythm into jagged counter-patterns.’
• ‘At their most reserved, the trio waxes bittersweet on the gorgeous “Miniature” and the haunting title track with euphonious delicacy. Conversely, “Nothingness First Part I, Nothingness” and “Hymn” are ablaze with raucous vigor, while “When You Ask Why” merges these disparate worlds, gradually increasing in intensity from supple acoustic meditation to roiling electric tempest. Responsible for the majority of the session’s most explosive statements, guitarist Mike Outram has been favorably compared to a restrained Allan Holdsworth. Tempering blistering fret-board histrionics with contemplative lyricism, his soaring, wah-wah fueled excursions transcend conventional virtuosity, transforming minor thematic variations into epic meditations.’, Troy Collins All About Jazz. - (I like Troy)
• ‘Asaf Sirkis seemed to play only between the beats, achiving a state of rhythmic levitation’ - Millenium Hall Review
• ‘The music is doom-laden and bombastic, yet strangely compelling.’ - Jazz UK

Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sept/Oct 07

* I’m writing a column for Guitarist Magazine. Of course, this is like my dream job. The column is all about blues and jazz - in fact, it’s called ‘Blues to Jazz’. So far I’ve done 4 columns, one was a few simple chords, the next some more but with harder chords, next a solo with a clean sound and after that a distorted solo with lots of bends and some shredding. Didn’t take that long eh?

* Asaf Sirkis released his new album which features myself, Steve Lodder and Asaf. It’s called ‘The Song Within’. I like it a lot.
* Recorded an album with Theo Travis which should be out in October/November. It features Robert Fripp on 3 tracks.
* Had a few gigs with my guitar trio. It is me on guitar with Chris Allard on guitar and Tassos Spiliotopolous on guitar. I might call it ‘666′ - in reference to the three sets of six strings on our instruments and the dark lord Satan.
* Did a couple of gigs with Kate Williams where we play music associated with the American guitarist Emily Remler - one of my favourites. Kate’s dad, John, is ok on guitar and he made a film of mine and Gareth Lockrane’s (flute and guitar) duo rendition of Cissy Strut - a career highlight.
* Did a tour with Tim Garland’s group. It’s a great band. I get to have a raz on a really nice Steely Dan-esque piece called ‘Nacirema People’ by Tom Clarke

Jan/Feb/March 2007

I am officially the 71,288th best actor ever with an overall actor score of 0.8924.

Oct/Nov/Dec 2006

* Played in a church in Hackney. Harvey Brough is the man responsible. This pic represents the kind of thing on offer. That’s Ninki V, Clara Sanabras, me and Andy Hamill. Kind of like a medieval guitarmageddon.
* Mostra Film Festival in Såo Paulo, Brazil. I was playing classical guitar with Laura Rossi on piano and a string quartet from Brazil. We were playing Laura’s music to accompany the films ‘Silent Shakespeare’ which are very early Shakespeare Films. Early as in - ‘made in 1899′.

Jul/Aug/Sept 2006

European Tour
I’ll be touring with Carleen Anderson throughout Europe in 2006

Summer School Teaching

* Glamorgan - 24th to 28th of July ‘06.
* I’m doing two guitar clinics at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Course on the 1st and 3rd of August 06.

* Teaching at Burnley Mechanics Summer School. From the 7th to the 11th of August ‘06 I’ll be teaching on this course. It will be for piano, guitar, bass and drums only. Specifically for duos and trios this week seeks to offer opportunities for rhythm section instrumentalists who enjoy the challenges and freedoms of playing in more intimate settings (piano/bass/drums or guitar/bass/drums for instance). Tutors: Piano - Les Chisnall, Guitar - Mike Outram, Bass (& course leader) - Steve Berry, Drums/percussion - Dave Walsh. More info at - www.burnleymechanics.co.uk