Biography
Mike Dawes & Amy Turk disbanded in December 2011. Mike Dawes will continue as a soloist.
Very few acts nowadays can genuinely be classed as unique; but Mike Dawes & Amy Turk are the only steel string guitar and concert harp duo in the world today. Both musicians employ unorthodox performance techniques, such as two-handed tapping and percussive playing, to create an extraordinary musical and visual spectacle. Quite simply, this is guitar and harp like you've never heard, or seen, before.
Formed and currently residing in the South of England, this inventive duo have been stunning audiences and critics since 2008. Their music often defies description, taking influence from Celtic, Classical, World and Popular music.
The pair have performed alongside, and in support of some of the world’s most highly respected acoustic musicians, including:
Seth Lakeman
John Renbourn
Tommy Emmanuel
Pierre Bensusan
Erik Mongrain
Julie Felix
Thomas Leeb
Antonio Forcione
Guthrie Govan
Martin Harley/Martin Harley Band
Pino Forastiere
Trace Bundy
Chris Wood
Robin Williamson
Jon Gomm
Karima Francis
....and many more!
Performance highlights include the International Guitar Festival, The Komedia Theatre and a headline concert on the Acoustic Stage at Tommy Emmanuel's 'Tommyfest', where they shared the bill with the Frank Vignola Trio, Gordon Giltrap and of course, Tommy Emmanuel.
The pair have been featured in numerous international publications including Guitarist, Acoustic and Acoustic Guitar magazines. Their music has been played on BBC Radio, whilst being featured on international airwaves from Canada to Japan.
2010 saw the pair embark upon a 44 date UK tour, including shows at the Acoustic Festival of Great Britain, Exeter Guitar Festival and Arts Centres nationwide. Keep up to date with their busy schedule online via the 'Live Shows' tab.
With a combined 53 strings, several feet of wood and multiple effect units, Mike Dawes & Amy Turk are a truly original act gaining a snowballing reputation. Their debut E.P. ’Reflections’ is available now.
Mike Dawes
Mike began his musical adventure aged four, when his parents introduced him to The Blues Brothers. In his early childhood he experimented with keyboards before picking up his first electric guitar at 12. Instantly taking to the guitar, Mike quickly became involved with the local music scene, involving himself in numerous bands and projects. In 2003 Mike reached the semi-finals of Jimmy Page's 'Riffathon' competition.
Having experimented with tapping techniques on his old Les Paul, in late 2007 he picked up his first acoustic guitar. He embarked upon a solo career which saw performances across southern England, including a memorable first gig with The Martin Harley Band. It was during this time that he developed his style, which audiences hear today in the new context of Mike and Amy's compositions.
"He can make the guitar talk! with no effort" - Jamie Bell
"Definitely worth checking out" - Newton Faulkner
Amy Turk
Amy only ever wanted to play the harp, and her parents finally gave in when she was seven. She began performing in public almost straight away, both as a soloist and as part of a five-piece harp ensemble. In her first year as a harpist, she played at a teacher's wedding ceremony, the opening of a new hospital, and an outdoor classical music festival with 8000 attendees, supporting the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The following thirteen years would see her travel the country performing at venues including the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, where one of her own arrangements for harp ensemble was premiered. Amy has been awarded numerous first prize titles and other special awards at music festivals in and around the south of England, has held the title of "Woking Young Musician of the Year" twice, and attended the Royal Academy of Music's Junior Department as a teenager. Amy also studied piano and orchestral percussion, performing regularly in festivals and youth orchestras. As time went on, she became more and more involved in composing; meeting Mike provided her with the opportunity to collaborate in writing a completely different kind of music to the classical styles she had previously worked with.
2011 has already seen Amy selected as a finalist for the 'YouTube Symphony Orchestra II' competition, culminating in a performance at the Sydney Opera House. The only harpist selected from the UK, Amy Turk is a musician of exceptional international regard.
"Beautiful, sensitive and refined playing with great communication of the music's spirit. Bravo!" - Anthony Halstead
"An impressive virtuoso approach and compelling musicianship" - Paul Harris