Mike Harvey is an accomplished violinist and multi-instrumentalist.


He leads Mike Harvey’s Hot Club, a dynamic jazz quartet that weaves the best of European Jazz and New Orleans trad jazz with modern songs and original compositions. The band’s self-titled release was nominated for “Best Traditional Album” by Offbeat magazine in 2018. Additionally, Mike plays with country band, Marshland, and Americana group, Bogue Chitto, which brings together the rich rhythms and traditions of Louisiana, the Delta, country music, and Choctaw.


For many years, Mike played with trad jazz icon Orange Kellin in Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra. He was proud to be part of the shows Kellin lead on the Economy Hall stage at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and at French Quarter Fest. Previously, Mike led his own European swing group, The Courtyard Kings; they played Jazz Fest and were in regular rotation in the New Orleans jazz circuit for ten years, post-Katrina. Dayjob was his rock project that he lead, wrote, and arranged. Additionally, Mike has worked as a musician for hire in various other projects and genres.


Starting in 1999, Mike has run his own recording studio, originally named Nashville Ave Sound and now Nola Recording Studios. As an engineer and producer, his diverse work experience includes the genres of classical music, jazz, heavy metal, hip-hop, indie rock, and film sound. He engineered the Hot 8 Brass Band’s Grammy-nominated album “The Life and Times of the Hot 8 Brass Band” and selected tracks from Bobby Rush’s Grammy-nominated album “Sitting on Top of the Blues.” Mike has held various roles in the production process, including recording, editing, mixing, writing, arranging, and producing. He prioritizes learning and implementing the latest technological developments in the industry, always bringing the best sound possible to each project. Furthermore, Mike is a sought out teacher and mentor with The Recording Connection.


In 2010, Mike earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Studies at The University of New Orleans, as their esteemed Basin Street Scholar. His Bachelor’s Degree in Music, with a concentration in violin and a Minor in Business, is from Loyola University of New Orleans.


Mike has completed extensive formal instruction in studio recording and MIDI production, including training in Digital Performer and Pro Tools. He was an instructor for Electronic Music, Music Technologies, and Recording Techniques classes at Loyola University of New Orleans. He has worked at notable other local studios, including Stonee’s Studio and Down ‘N’ Dirty Records Recording Studio.


Mike brings a heightened level of craft and artistry to his playing and to his work as an engineer in the recording studio.