Mike Walker


Although his name is little known to the general public, Mike Walker has been one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded pianists for over half a century, playing mostly jazz but with a smattering of pop, rock and cabaret.

But for a phone call from a schoolmate in Auckland, Mike Walker might have remained a Thames baker. The call, from guitarist Ned Sutherland, led to a musical career which continues to this day.

Mike Walker, Canberra 1960.
Mike Walker
Mike Walker trio, Neville Whitehead playing double bass, Frank Conway on drums and Mike Walker playing piano, at the Lautrec Coffee Lounge on opening night.
Photo credit: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 1269-E161-28
The Mike Walker trio standing outside Montmartre coffee lounge and Lautrec coffee lounge, 30 December 1961. The occasion was the opening night for Lautrec, which was across from where the Auckland central library now stands on Lorne Street. From left: Frank Conway, Neville Whitehead, Mike Walker.
Photo credit: Auckland Libraries, Rykenberg Collection, 1269-E161-29
Brian Smith at Auckland Art Gallery with Mike Walker, Billy Kristian and Tony Hopkins
Photo credit: Brian Smith Collection
Mike Walker with bassist Les Still (left) and drummer Frank Conway (right).
Mike "Spike" Walker backstage, probably at the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, during a season of 'Hair'. 
Photo credit: Rosa Shiels. 
Alley Oop: Mike Walker, keyboards, Trevor Harrison, vocals, Billy Kristian, bass and Jimmy Hill, drums.
Ray Woolf backed by Mike Walker on piano - Mack The Knife
Mike Walker Trio backing Ray Woolf: Mike Walker, Pete McGregor, Ray Woolf and Bruce King
Marlene Tong at the Colony, backed by the Mike Walker Trio, recorded by Merv Thomas
Mike Walker grew up in a musical family in Thames. This invitation to the 1957 Musicians' Ball in Thames features his father Herb Walker's Collegians and three other local bands. At the time, Mike was 17 and just out of the army.
Photo credit: Chris Bourke collection
Mike Walker on tenor saxophone, New Caledonia, 1960.
Tony Hopkins, Kevin Haines and Mike Walker
Bob Gillett, Brian Smith, Tony Hopkins (obscured), Mike Walker and Neville Whitehead
Mike Walker, New Caledonia, 1960.
Mike Walker, Les Still and Roger Sellers at Auckland's Embers nightclub in the early 1960s
Photo credit: Chris Bourke collection
Mike Walker in Canberra, 1960.
Mike Walker, Tommy Adderley, Les Still and Frank Conway at El Matador Restaurant, 1965.
Mike Walker's first racing car, an Austin 7 Special. Mike is in the driver's seat and his parents Herb and Eilleen are standing.
The Mike Walker Trio, 2011: Mike Walker, Pete McGregor and Bruce King
Mike Walker with Billy T James and Frank Conway at far right.
Musicians Ball in Thames, 1957.
The original session notes for Sandy Edmonds' 1968 recording of the backing of her hit When You Walk In The Room. The session was produced by Jimmie Sloggett and the musicians included Billy Kristian, Bruce King, Murray Tanner, Gray Bartlett and Mike Walker.
Photo credit: Phil Warren archive
Mike Walker, Canberra 1960.
Montmartre advertisement, early 1960s, featuring Lyn Barnett, the Convairs, and introducing Dave Gerard. Backing group: the Mike Walker Trio. Second show starts at 1.00am. 

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