Whilst studying classical piano at the Conservatoire, Mike had established himself as an original voice on the city’s free improvisation scene.

Mike runs the innovative Fizzle series of concerts at the Lamp Tavern and The Invention Convention a series co-promoted by Birmingham Jazz at the M.A.C and co-founded the Birmingham Improvisers Orchestra with saxophonist Bruce Coates and has performed alongside Mick Beck, Lol Coxhill, John Coxon, Paul Dunmall, John Edwards, Patrick Farmer, Christopher Hobbs, Paul Hession, Miles and Tony Levin, Tony Marsh, Pete McPhail, Neil Metcalf, Paul Rutherford, Mark Sanders, Nick Stephens and Matt Wand.

His regular ensembles include SCHH (Shaw/Coates/Hobbs/Hurley), Reggae group Friendly Fire and percussionist with band folk-punk group Mama Matrix.