Anyone who hears the combination of van Merwyk’s soulful guitar work and Baker’s deeply grooving harmonica playing might think they’ve been performing together their whole lives. Perhaps that’s still to come. The exciting program features original compositions by both artists as well as spontaneous interpretations of songs drawn from a wide spectrum ranging from blues and folk to rock ’n’ roll. And throughout it all, the sheer joy of making music is never in short supply.

 

Steve Baker

London-born Steve Baker looks back on a 40-year career as a professional harmonica player. His work — both as a highly respected live and studio musician and as a pioneering author, teacher, and workshop leader — has inspired a generation of harmonica players in many countries, making him one of the most important harp players of our time.

Harp fans love his rhythm-driven and instantly recognizable melodic style, which shows deep respect for the blues tradition while effortlessly incorporating elements of country, folk, funk, soul, and jazz. His expressive, lyrical sound conveys remarkable emotional intensity, blending the best of tradition with modern influences and always finding a direct path to the hearts of listeners.

Over the course of his professional career, he has worked as accompanist and partner with a wide range of artists, including Tony Sheridan, Franz-Josef Degenhardt, Chris Jones, Abi Wallenstein, and Dave Goodman. As a studio musician, Steve Baker has contributed to hundreds of recordings for diverse artists such as Achim Reichel, Hannes Wader, Stefan Stoppok, Dieter Bohlen, Klaus Doldinger, and many more.

 

Michael van Merwyk

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter Michael van Merwyk learned his craft in the house band of the legendary blues club Roadhouse in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. There, he jammed and celebrated alongside music legends such as Jimmy Rogers and Larry Garner.

His style is unmistakable: self-taught and deeply emotional. His voice rumbles like a blend of Dr. John and Johnny Cash; his guitar playing is as funky as Johnny “Guitar” Watson and as raw as Albert King. Whether acoustic, electric, or lap steel — if it has strings, he’ll play it.

His trademark “Americana Euro Style” is equally praised by the music press and valued by international musicians and promoters. As one of the few Europeans, he was even invited twice to the prestigious Lucerne Blues Festival and has appeared on albums by artists including Larry Garner and Big Daddy Wilson, whom he frequently accompanies on tour.

The multi-award-winning musician and composer was most recently honored at the German Blues Awards in 2016 as Best Blues Singer and Best Blues Guitarist in Germany. All of this is “Made in Merwyk” — because with so much lived experience, writing lyrics and composing songs becomes second nature.