Mike's own brand of upbeat maritime folk rock born from 1000's of miles on the sea and road. Rich vocals, acoustic driven, national steel and mandolin - excellent guitar work. Described as when Great Big Sea meets Jimmy Buffett and John Prine comes along

12 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, ROCK: Folk Rock



Details:
Barry Graham, WHRV FM music director, Norfolk, VA, says GETAWAY is, "Influenced by music styles from Newfoundland to the Caribbean. Aiken combines folk, country rock and maritime to bring you maritime folk rock at it's best." GETAWAY features 12 cuts plus an acoustic hidden track. Ten of the songs are originals along with Mike's acoustic slide rendition of Gershwin's 'Summertime' and the traditional maritime tune 'Jolly Rovin' Tar'. GETAWAY shines with Mike's technique of subtly mixing different genres to create a unique and highly entertaining style of his own.

To record GETAWAY Mike returned to Bay Queen Studios in Norfolk, VA, where his 1st CD, TRAVELIN' BONE, was produced. "With my studio being in a 1941 80' tugboat, it definitely sets the mood for recording the style of music I write. Every note was recorded afloat." Aiken continues, "I was lucky to be able to get just the musicians I wanted. They all picked up on the feeling and laid down some great tracks." Featured musicians include: Bob Zentz on concertina, button accordion and vocals, Mike Markure on bass and vocals, Jeff Armor on drums and percussion, and Amy Aiken on vocals and percussion.

"Mike Aiken writes songs for a small planet, songs about the human journey. His latest recording GETAWAY is one of those albums where I find the tunes running through my head even after the CD is over," states Brenda Barkley, Performing Arts Coordinator for Tidewater Friends of Folk Music. From his songwriting and vocals to his varied instrumentation (acoustic, electric, national steel guitars, mandolin and harp), Aiken strives to take you on a musical and lyrical getaway. He does just that on his new CD GETAWAY.


REVIEW:
"Got my copy of Getaway yesterday, been listening to it and I think it's really good, great production. 'Saltwater Blues' and the cover of 'Summertime' are 2 of my favorites."

-Mike Macey, WRNR 103.1 FM Annapolis, MD


REVIEW:
Saltwater Tunes
By Jane Meneely
Chesapeake Bay Magazine, March 2004 p. 17

Mike Aiken's new CD release offers a slice of the cruising life, with a tantalizing hint of the islands.

Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Mike Aiken has sailed from Cape Breton to the Caribbean, with plenty of stops in between, including his most recent layover at Rebel Marine on Willoughby Spit outside of Norfolk. There in the belly of the Bay Queen, he has set up a studio where he produces his upbeat brand of maritime music.

His most recent release, Getaway, covers a lot of musical territory, from folksy ballads to blues to reggae and beyond. Percussion, bass lines and the sultry harmonies of Amy Aiken, Mike's wife, add polish to the one-man band. Nine of the 12 tunes are original, including the title song, a fairly straightforward piece about getting out of winter and heading to the islands: "Cold front is comin' down/ From Alberta Way / Ice has formed here in Virginia / Round my hull today / There's a storm out on the coast / Cold wind blowin' in / I should be way down south / Water's clear as gin." Buried in the heart of the CD is a little gem titled simply "Chesapeake" and co-written by Amy: "Catch the breeze get underway / Osprey calls you to another day / Life moves slowly, you're out of reach / Swing to the tide of the Chesapeake." But my favorite on the list is the foot-stomping "Saltwater Blues." Here Aiken really cuts loose with some excellent guitar work, as precise as it is relaxed and fun. "Hand me down my travelin' bone / My old sailing shoes / It's been too long, yes / Got those saltwater blues."

Add to the mix a lively take of the traditional "Jolly Rovin' Tar" (with veteran stageman Bob Zentz on concertina and harmony) and a truly wonderful cover of Gershwin's "Summertime" and you have a nicely paced collection of old and new.


REVIEW:
"Refreshingly new, great guitar work, a must for those traveling and those who would like to be..."

- Douglas Li Puma, Orangeville Music Review