about
The ARTIST
It was 1982 when Mike, then a young accountancy student, decided to pursue a career in music.
He started playing drums and in no time at all, Mike was booking gigs in some of the most notable London Jazz pubs and clubs. He quickly discovered he had more than a knack for learning instruments. Today, Mike plays 13 instruments in total.
In 1993, he obtained a Bachelor Music degree at Goldsmiths, University of London and in 1994, a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) at the Middlesex University, where he was nominated for the distinctive Arts Foundation of England award.
He has performed and recorded with many top artists around the world, performing at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Jazz Café, Café Royal, The Royal Albert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Blues Alley and many other establishments both in the USA and internationally.
Mike has played alongside some of the world’s biggest names in Jazz, Blues and Funk – artists such as Jeff Lorber, Roy Ayers, Lulu (singer), The Jones Girls, Jeff Lorber, Simply Red, Joey Negro Les McCann and Paul Brown
tHE PRODUCER
Not only is Mike an accomplished musician with an impressive body of work, he is also a successful music producer and engineer. Mike has also recorded and produced his own LP’s including Waiting on You, featuring many UK session musicians and singers including Incognito’s Joy Rose, UK singer Wayne Hernandez and George Michael’s keyboardist Luke Smith.
In 2012 he released his second solo project with Michael Jackson’s drummer Ricky Lawson, Smooth Jazz superstar Chris Standring and many other prominent session musicians.
He has produced and engineered countless songs and LPs for some of the most notable jazz and blues artists worldwide.
THE TEACHER
Whilst Mike was pursuing his Bachelor Music (BMus) degree at the prestigious Goldsmiths University of London, he decided to share his knowledge and skills with students in the UK. He went on to obtain a post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE) at Middlesex University.
Mike dedicates a considerable amount of his time teaching young people in the US and Internationally, privately, in workshops and in schools.
tHE ENTREPRENEUR
Mike is the owner of one of LA’s premiere boutique recording studios, Talented Studios. Since opening its doors, a countless number of world-class, Grammy Award winning artists, composers and bands that have made Talented Studios their go-to boutique recording and production studio in Los Angeles.
RADIO SHOW
THE MIKE PARLETT
Mike hosts a weekly live radio show on Solar Radio. Solar Radio is part of the Ofcom initiative in the UK bringing quality soul-related music to a wide UK audience. Solar Radio was ‘born’ in 1984 featuring Dj’s from London pirate stations JFM and Horizon. The station voluntarily went off the air in 1985 in order to be allowed to submit a license application. In the early 90’s, Solar Radio officially launched. For over three decades, Solar Radio has built an impressive DJ roster, offering twenty-four-hour programming continuing it’s commitment to promote soul, funk and jazz across Greater London airwaves.
career timeline
1993
GRADUATES WITH HONORS
Obtains Bachelor Of Music (BMus) at Goldsmiths, University of London with honors.
2005
releases first album
Mike releases his first CD “Waiting on You”.
2022
wins TELLY award
Mike wins prestigious Telly Award for Best Social Awareness Video.
1984
first gigs in london
Within a few short months, he’s playing in clubs and pubs throughout London alongside some of the most prolific UK musicians and bands.
1993
launches first agency
Talent International was subsequently sold to one of the biggest recruiting agencies in the world.
2007
moves to los angeles
Mike moves to Los Angeles, California and launches Talented Studios with partner, Jonathan Wales.
career timeline
1984
first gigs in london
Within a few short months, he’s playing in clubs and pubs throughout London alongside some of the most prolific UK musicians and bands.
1993
graduates with honors
Obtains Bachelor Of Music (BMus) at Goldsmiths, University of London with honors.
1993
Launches first agency
Talent International was subsequently sold to one of the biggest recruiting agencies in the world.
2005
REALEASES First Album
Mike releases his first CD “Waiting on You”.
2007
MOVES TO LOS ANGELES
Mike moves to Los Angeles, California and launches Talented Studios with partner, Jonathan Wales.
2022
WINS TELLY AWARD
Mike wins prestigious Telly Award for Best Social Awareness Video.
Got a question?
FAQ
I play over a dozen instruments including Saxaphone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Soprano), a variety of flutes (Concert, Piccolo, Alto, Indian and Penny), Piano, Keyboards, Guitar (including Bass), Vocalslit, Drums & Percussion.
I’ve been playing instruments for over thirty years.
Absolutely. Click on the Booking Button from the menu to get started.
Of course! You can book a session here