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His card reads "Bluesman sings, plays guitar, harmonica, and taps his foot all together in time with his Band, Trio, or Solo;" but that is hardly all there is to the man known as Midnite Mike. I caught Grimaldi at yet another transitional time in his life. He in the middle of a move into his own house; his . . . his own . . . a place for his own terms; which pretty much puts this profile in perspective. Midnite Mike is Mike Grimaldi originally of Brooklyn. The first musical transition was in the tutorage of "Mr. Paddock"; his second guitar coach. Paddock, a 60’s music rebel I (as everyone was in the 60’s) introduced Midnite to the blues. Paddock didn’t just show Grimaldi how to play the blues, he showed him the chord moves; he taught young Mikey how to watch and learn. In '78 Grimaldi was just starting out and with a family in tow he got an early start on life (and a career opportunity via , of course, the military). When most musician's were just settling down, he was just getting started. Early local career connections came via talent contests and open mic nights where he honed his skills jamming with 80’s bands like Open End and others. Then, in the early 80’s came another transition, his own group. Playing with Bill Carmen, and close personal friend Steve Thomas on keyboard and sax he hit the local circuit. The blues took Mike on many journeys quickly from there. In 1990 Midnite opened for B.B. King at the Lilac Festival in Rochester, Their meeting is proudly commemorated on the wall of the Snubbing Post, in Rome. He has worked with the greats including Albert King, James Cotton and harpmaster, Jerry Portnoy. But Midnite is no name dropper, remaining a humble guy. As is the way with many musicians the blues took it’s toll on Midnite’s family life. Divorced for a few years now he is back on his feet, but, even during the tough times he still keep working. The blues never got in the way with his kids, he has two, a son and a daughter both of whom he is close to. Currently Midnite is performing with Rod Kaiser as a duo and playing again with Billy Carmen and Dave Palace. Grimaldi can be seen throughout the Central New York area and beyond. No matter whether it’s a duo, a trio, or solo Midnite Mike always worth a trip to catch some great blues. -- The Dude photo provided by www.midnitemike.com |
Taking The Blues Into The 13th Hour