MIKE GOUDREAU - Singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer

 

Born in 1965 in Newport, Vermont into a musical family with an English mother and a French-Canadian father, Mike Goudreau picked up his first guitar at age 14 and hasn't stopped playing since. His early influences included the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and later, Albert King, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Powder Blues and Downchild - to name a few. Such diverse interests help to explain why Mike is comfortable in so many musical genres, especially jazz and blues.

Since 2007, Mike's songs have been heard on hundreds of network TV shows and films, such as the TV movie ''The Happiest Season'' (Hulu), Dynasty (CBS), the Universal Pictures film ''Dark Waters'' , the Hollywood film ''The Banker'', starring Samuel Jackson (2020), City On The Hill (Showtime), The Flash (CW) , The Neighborhood (CBS), NCIS Los Angeles (CBS), Chicago PD (NBC), Shameless (Showtime), Life In Pieces (CBS), Bloodline ( Netflix) , Gotham (FOX) , the Hollywood film "Passengers" (2016), the TV movie North Pole (Hallmark Channel), The Fosters (ABC Family) , Defiance (FX), Hung (HBO), Memphis Beat (TNT), Friday Night Lights (ABC), Let's Make A Deal (CBS), Scoundrels (ABC) , Justified (FX) , George Lopez Show (TBS), Dirty Sexy Money (ABC ), Army Wives (Lifetime) , Kath & Kim (NBC),  Auction Kings (Discovery), Oddities (Discovery), Duck Dynasty (Discovery) and Everybody Hates Chris (CW) just to name a few. 

Mike is also highly in demand as a sideman and has backed up many international artists such as , harmonica legend Lee Oskar, Garou, Roch Voisine, Corneille , Robert Charlebois, John Primer, Diunna Greenleaf, John Hammond, Linda ''Chocolate Thunder'' Rodney and the Prime Minister of the Blues Dutch Mason just to name a few and he has toured in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Mexico and Eastern Canada.

When asked why he plays both jazz and blues Mike replies: "I get bored doing just one type of music. I love jazz for its beautiful melodies, chords, and improvisation. I love blues for its energy, soul and milking its three-chord structure. I enjoy playing rock 'n roll too. But no matter what music I play it has to SWING. 

 

Mike's produced 22 Albums (1994-2021)

In the early 90s Mike formed the Boppin Blues Band. Taking its name (and some of its style) from Vancouver's Powder Blues Band, the BBB blew into the Canadian music scene with their first independently produced CD in 1994 and since then, Mike’s produced a total of 22 albums and more than 150 other songs in various genres for his ever growing Film/TV and Advertizing licensing partners.

Christmas Rendez-Vous (2021)  Mike Goudreau presents his 22nd independent release “Christmas Rendez vous”, a collection of 13 Christmas songs. This album was co produced and recorded remotely and in studio, with long time friend, collaborator and saxophonist Dany Roy during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, between September 2020 and November 2021.The album boasts 5 original songs composed by Goudreau and 5 re-arranged Traditional Public Domain Christmas hymns by Roy & Goudreau. A Christmas album would be incomplete without a few favorite classic cover versions as well with 3 songs. Mike Goudreau sings and plays guitar and Dany Roy plays sax, trumpet and flute as well as creating the lush horn arrangements on this festive Holiday themed recording. For this project , musicians, Richard Irwin on drums and Dave Watts on upright bass. Special guests include Erich Kory on cello, Toby Wilson on dobro, pedal steel and acoustic guitar and Antoine Fradkin on violin. An eclectic mix of Swinging Jazz, Jump Blues, Chicago Blues, Americana, Gospel, French Cabaret and a Bossanova styled take on a Christmas classic ! 

The Isolation Blues (2021) Mike Goudreau presents his 21st independent release “The Isolation Blues”, a collection of 14 brand new original songs. This production was recorded remotely, with long time collaborators and cronies during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, between September 2020 and February 2021.
Mike wrote and recorded the songs from his home studio. He sings, plays guitar and bass on this adventure. Tried and true musical partner Dany Roy wrote the horn arrangements and recorded all the sax and trumpet parts from his home studio in Montreal. For his part, Jean-François Bégin, recorded and played drums and percussion from his home studio in Sherbrooke.Other guests include harmonica player extraordinaire Pascal “Per” Veillette on three songs, and Vermont keyboardist Ira Friedman on Hammond Organ and piano, also for three tracks.
This is an eclectic mix of straight-ahead Chicago, Delta and Texas style Blues, Soul, Southern Rock, Swamp Blues, Rock ’n’ Roll, and Goudreau’ signature, the album opener, a Swinging Jump Blues, will get your fingers snapping and toes tapping on the first downbeat!
 

Acoustic Sessions (2019) For this project , Mike revisits his musical roots with an all acoustic themed soundtrack that features various influences from the past 30 years of being a professional musician, producer and songwriter. Comprised of 10 brand new original songs and 4 revamped compositions, this recording showcases the versatility and eclecticism of the Townships musician. With instrumentation that includes acoustic guitars, upright bass, Dobro slide guitar, banjo, harmonica, cello, drums & percussions and accordion, this delightful organic blend of Blues, Americana, Country , Gospel, Singer/Songwriter and even a Manouche Jazz inspired song displays the many music influences that Goudreau grew up listening to.

Alternate Takes - Vol 1 (2018) Mike Goudreau presents his 19th album : “Alternate Takes - Vol 1”. A collection of unreleased and reworked original tracks that were recorded and produced in various studios between 1999 and 2017. Most of these songs were produced mainly for licensing on network TV and film projects for the many TV/Film contacts Mike has made in the USA, UK and Europe since 2007. This recording features 16 tracks in a wide variety of Blues stylings: Blues Rock, Country Blues, Swing , Funk, Jazz, Chicago Blues, Boogie Woogie, Reggae and even a Manouche Swing inspired song ! Accompanied by a great lineup of musicians and long time collaborators help make this album a great showcase of the many eclectic musical genres and influences of Goudreau in numerous variations of the Blue note !

Sweet Blues (2016) Mike Goudreau & The Boppin Band present their 6th release ( This being Mike's 18th album since 1993 ) . Now in their 25th year of performing and recording their brand of blues, this album features a dynamic mix of Swing, Rock, Soul , Gospel and Jazzy Blues that they have become we'll known for with accolades from their peers as well as blues media and aficionados ! 12 brand new original songs, all written and sung by guitarist Mike Goudreau who's accompanied by an all star band featuring the stellar horns of tenor saxophonist Dany Roy and trumpet player and arranger Maxime St-Pierre. Also on board is legendary bassist Norman Lachapelle, pianist John Sadowy, drummer Alain Bourgeois, bass trombonist Olivier Lizotte, organist and co- songwriter Lorrie Goodman and keyboardist Steve Soucy. Recorded and mixed by one of Canada's top recording engineers Dany Legendre and mastered by Steve Corrao in Nashville, Tennessee, this album will keep blues fans swinging and snapping their fingers from track one to twelve ! Get ready to Bop Till You Drop ! 

Je reste accroché (2015) Mike Goudreau presents his 17th album : « Je reste accroché », featuring 12 new original songs, 11 of which are sung in French ! With « Je reste accroché », you'll discover a good-timing mix of contemporary Blues and traditional Blues with diverse influences : Chicago Blues, Swing, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Country and even Reggae !

T.G.I.F. (2014)  His 16th album, “T.G.I.F.” (Thank God It’s Friday), comprising 12 new compositions from the Eastern Townships blues and jazzman. For the occasion, Goudreau sings, plays bass, guitars and 6-string banjo, as well as being the composer and writer on all 12 tracks. He’s accompanied by long-time cronies, brilliant saxophonist Dany Roy (Garou, Bet.e & Stef, Susie Arioli), Maxime St Pierre on trumpet (Michel Cusson, Alain Caron, Pagliaro ), Serge Arsenault on trombone, Stéphane Jetté on drums and the fleet-fingered Nino Fabi on keyboards.

Time For Messin’ Around (2013) a 15th album for Mike Goudreau, comprising 11 songs with 8 new compositions and 3 covers from the Eastern Townships blues and jazzman. For the occasion, Goudreau is accompanied by long-time cronies Jonathan-Guillaume Boudreau on bass, Jean-François Bégin on drums, and the saxophonist David Élias on one song. Also appearing as special guest is Pascal “Per’’ Veillette, a very unique and talented harmonicist who brings a particular exotic flair with his participation on two songs. This is a “party” vibe album, with the first track that sets the tone immediately, right on to the last one. A few funk rhythms, Texas shuffle, country blues, blues rock, Southern rock vibes that’ll make you want to dance your blues away! Also a sizzling authentic and soulful slow blues sung “en Français”, which has been one of Mike’s trademarks for the past 20 years and counting.

20 Years Of Bop & Blues (2012) with Mike Goudreau & The Boppin Blues Band: The album features 13 new original songs ranging from swinging to funky, from New Orleans to blues-rock, with some southern soul & gospel thrown in for good measure! This latest Boppin’ offering features Mike Goudreau on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Boudreau on bass, Jean-François Bégin on drums, David Élias on tenor and baritone sax, Serge Arsenault on trombone, and Maxime St-Pierre on trumpet. The BBB is joined by guests Lorrie Goodman on B3 organ, and special guest Pierre Lacocque, of the Chicago band Mississippi Heat, on harmonica.

Live At The Haskell Opera House (2011) Recorded live at this one of kind venue which was inaugurated in 1903, the Haskell Opera House is situated on the border of Mike 's hometown of Stanstead, Quebec and Derby-Line Vermont. Mike with his long time cronies play a mix of Jazz standards as well as a few blues favorites and some original compositions.

Dancing Shoes (2011) Mike with organist Lorrie Goodman form '' The Goodmen Band '' with drummer Stéphane Jetté . The album features a great mix of Blues, Funk, Southern Soul, New Orleans and Jazzy original material which was well received by blues media and fans alike.

Look For The Sunshine (2010) 17 tracks featuring 12 brand new original songs and 5 jazz classics, not to mention one song in French, ''La Gentille Fille'', co-written with Michel Aubin. Whether it's a Sinatra-style crooner, groovy instrumental, dreamy bossa-nova, romantic ballad, New Orleans-style Dixieland or a finger snappin' blues, everyone from the most particular connaisseur to the jazz newbie will be enchanted with this eclectic mix of jazz.

Blues Et Cetera (2009) with 15 new original songs. The works include various styles and grooves such as reggae, singer/songwriter, rock  country and world music influences as well as Texas, Chicago, funk and swing blues.

Boppin 15 (2007) 15 cuts with 11 originals and 4 covers. Over the years some of the band members have changed but this album, as with all the previous, still boasts some of the best rhythm and brass musicians in Quebec along with some very special guests including Peter Brown on piano, Didier Dumoutier on accordian and the great Harmonica Zeke on harmonica.

The Grass Ain't Greener (2006) Mike moved away from the big band style that characterized the Boppin Blues Band. The Mike Goudreau Band stripped down to guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and some great wailing harp and slide guitar from Harmonica Zeke. You get a great mix of rockin, swingin, up-tempo blues - 8 of the 12 songs are originals!!

My Favorite Time Of The Year  (2004) of the Year is a sweet, personalized collection of original and classic Christmas tunes featuring silky smooth vocals, great horns, clarinet, piano, cello and jazzy guitar work garanteed to put you in the Christmas spririt. 

Thank You Louis (2002) a tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. It was, and still is, very popular in Quebec garnering him numerous interviews with Radio-Canada, CBC Radio/TV and sell-out live shows.

Nous avions rendez-vous (2001)  Mike received a Research and Creation Grant from the Quebec Arts Council and produced ''Nous avions rendez-vous'', on the Montreal based Bros label ... 12 original blues tunes all sung in French! They were invited to the " Francofolies " in Montreal as well as a live recording captured by CBC's " Silence On Jazz " broadcast coast to coast.

Stardust Memories (2000) Mike indulged his passion for his other favorite musical genre - jazz - when he released Stardust Memories , a compilation of 14 classics including Route 66, The Lady is a Tramp, and Don't Get Around Much Anymore.

Happy Go Lucky (1999) with 9 of 13 songs originals. More accolades: Real Blues Magazine called it one of the 5 best CDs of the Year and named the Boppin Blues Band as Best Swing Band and Best Unsigned Band in Canada. It was also nominated by Maple Blues for Best Album.

I Dig My Job (1996) featured mostly original tunes including a couple en français, which was unique. Real Blues Magazine continued its love affair with the band rating it as one of the 5 best blues CDs in Canada that year and named them as Best Group in Eastern Canada for 1996-97. They were also nominated as Best New Artist at Canada's Maple Blues Awards in 1997. A California radio station (KKUP FM) placed I Dig My Job in the Top 25 Blues CDs for that year!

Sold Out (1994) with 10 songs running the gamut from solid Chicago blues to jazz influenced 40s & 50s swing/jump/shuffle and a few country and gospel tunes thrown in for good measure. It showcases superb guitar work and vocals from Mike with a great back line of drums, bass, piano, horns and harp. Upon hearing it, Andy 'Blues Boy" Grigg of Real Blues Magazine called them one of the most talented bands in Canada.

Over the past two decades, Mike has performed at some of the most prestigious Jazz & Blues Festivals in Canada including 10 times at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, 17 times at the Tremblant International Blues Festival, 7 appearances at the Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Rimouski, 3 times at the Maximum Blues de Carleton, Fredericton's Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Saint John Jazz Festival and Festival by the Sea. Mike was featured at the '' Playing With Fire '' Blues Festival in Omaha Nebraska accompanied by members of Chicago's '' Mississippi Heat '' and had raving reviews for their performance.With well over 450 major concerts under his belt , he's earned the respect from his peers for his work ethic, love of music and professionalism.

 

 

What some of the blues media have to say about Mike Goudreau:

«A hearty vocalist and effective guitarist who plays snarling, tightly wound leads...A highly enjoyable set» - Tom Hyslop, Blues Revue Magazine, USA.

«Listening to his music it almost seems he is searching for the musical Holy Grail but in actuality he is the musical Holy Grail. He is already there – but he just doesn’t let up on his drive to do more, write better songs, record more, play live more.» - Sandy Graham - Cashbox Canada

«Du Mike Goudreau en français, cela représente pour moi un style en soi ou la qualité à tous les niveaux s'avère toujours indédiable ! Bonne écoute !» Pierre Jobin - Québec Audio & Vidéo

«Aussi bon en spectacle que sur disque, Mike Goudreau saura vous faire apprécier un blues savoureux avec un son différent grâce à une excellente section de cuivres. Une fois qu’on commence à écouter du Mike Goudreau, on ne peut plus arrêter, vous aussi direz comme moi, JE RESTE ACCROCHÉ et j’aime ça !» Pierre Lamontagne - Le Net Blues

«Je reste accroché , vous propose non pas un remède à la morosité ambiante, mais LE remède miracle pour non seulement effacer vos soucis mais faire briller le soleil dans vos yeux, tant il est rempli de bonnes choses, joué non seulement avec le coeur mais aussi avec l'âme.» Arol Rouchon - BCR La Revue, France

 “Un titre approprié d’album, puisqu’effectivement on reste accroché par ce blues qui rock et swing en français et qui nous parle de la vraie vie. Ce prolifique auteur-compositeur-guitariste et producteur estrien nous offre un beau mélange de blues contemporain et traditionnel avec des influences : Blues, Swing, Jazz, Rock, R & B, Country et même Reggae. -” Marie-Josée Boucher - Info-Culture.biz

«Mike Goudreau a encore trouvé le moyen de nous surprendre et de nous convaincre qu'il est un indispensable membre de la famille blues du Québec. Il a accompli le tour de force de présenter un album tout en français sans tomber dans les clichés, sans faire folklorique et en gardant l'intérêt de l'auditeur par la variété des styles comme des thèmes abordés. Oui, moi aussi ' Je reste accroché» Michel Dubois - RUE D'AUTEUIL, CKRL 89.1 Québec

«Well, if Mike Goudreau and his boys were looking for the sunshine with their new album, they certainly found it! Lay the sunscreen heavy ‘cause this one is a real scorcher!» Dan Behrman, Producer/Host, Espace Musique / Radio-Canada

«I love Mike's easy going, confident approach to music. Backed by sympathetic players, that approach results in a cool effortless swing whatever the groove.He shows his 'big picture' love and understanding of the blues in his guitar playing and songwriting. I'm happy to help spread the word by playing his music on CBC Radio's Saturday Night Blues and on Galaxie.» Holger Petersen ,host Saturday Night Blues (CBC)

«Goudreau plays lead guitar with the tone and taste of greats like Otis Rush and Albert King, and writes compelling, original songs». Jeremy Loome, Edmonton Sun

«Quality Canadian blues...solid and unpretentious...swings with snappy sincerity and crisp energy» Hal Horowitz, Blues Revue Magazine, USA Oct/Nov 2006 Issue

 «Undiluted blues from one of the purest players on the Canadian scene» Al Kirkcaldy, CFFF 92.7 FM, Peterborough, ON “

«A rockin’, rompin’, stompin’ good time….solid, creamy, tight and tasty licks executed with precision and class” Billie Lucas, CHLY 101.7 FM, Nanaimo BC

«Goudreau is a natural. He leads a great band with exciting original songs that dare you to sit still» John Valenteyn, Maple Blues, Toronto Blues Society

 «The Grass Ain't Greener " est un de ces albums racés qui font figure de référence dans une carrière, aussi riche et chargée soit elle !»  Fred Delforge, zicazic.com, France

 

FOR INFO/BOOKINGS contact :

Mike Goudreau – tel. : 819-876-2109

195 Passenger Stanstead Qc J0B 3E2

Info@mikegoudreau.com or mikegoudreau@hotmail.com

Web sites :

English website : http://www.mikegoudreau.com

 French website : http://www.mikegoudreau.ca

 

The Various bands :

Mike Goudreau Band ( Blues )

Mike Goudreau has returned to more stripped-down blues with this band. On the CD - “The Grass Ain’t Greener” you'll hear a solid backline of artists who have obviously played together for a long time and it shows. This show is a bit more Blues/Rock than The Boppin' Blues Band show but every bit as authentic in their aproach of the Blues. This band varies from 4 to 5 musicians

Mike Goudreau & Boppin Blues Band ( Blues )

Mike Goudreau was rocked from the cradle by the voices of Nat King Cole,. Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles. As a musician, he travelled the requisite roads of classic rock and country music, and moulded his style in the wake of Albert King and Kenny Burrell, whose traces can be felt to this day. From his very first contacts with blues, he started the Boppin' Blues Band, with his crony Richard Bergeron. Featuring a great 3 piece horn section that gives this band a Jazzy,R & B sound that leaves audiences wanting more. The band has performed on television, in all sorts of festivals and special events, on hundreds of stages big and small, and has earned many titles and distinctions. Mike Goudreau Lays claim to five albums with the Boppin' Blues Band. With those albums containing many original pieces, Mike Goudreau and the Boppin' Blues Band have demonstrated the multiple voices of blues, proving it can also be sung in French! Check out clips from all 5 albums on the music page This band varies from 6 to 8 musicians.

Mike Goudreau & Friends ( Jazz Band )

Mike Goudreau & Friends presents the '' Great American Songbook '' , featuring songs made famous by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Mel torme, Duke Ellington, Carlos Antonio Jobim just to name a few. This band varies from 3 to 8 musicians. Mike Goudreau & Friends also presents : ''Thank You Louis ! '' a tribute to the music of Louis Armstrong.Check out songs from the album '' Thank You Louis ! '' on the music page. This band varies from 4 to 8 musicians.

Mike Goudreau ( Classic Rock )

For the past 20 years this band has wowed audiences with a repertoire that keeps them on the dance floor from start to finish. They cover a wide variety of Classic Rock hits with a repertoire of over 500 songs from beloved artists as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, C.C.R. , Doobie Brothers, The Doors, Bob Seger, George Thorogood, Santana, Chuck Berry and much more. This group available for Corporate functions, Festivals and private parties. The band varies from 3 to 7 musicians.

Mike Goudreau ( Acoustic Solo/Duo/Trio)