Interview by Avery Saltzman from Toronto, Canada

Q : Michael, I'll always remember sharing the stage with you in "Guys and Dolls" in London---we sure had fun, didn't we ? Is it true that the show will be aired in the New Year ?

A: Yes, your "Sit down, you're rocking the boat" was second to none in that show ! Eat your heart out, Stubby Kaye ! Actually, the show will be aired on BBC Radio 3 in January . It was great working with Kim Criswell, again, wasn't it ? It would be great if we could do the show again-call when you've arranged it !

Q : I've been lucky enough to meet your mum...what a lovely and talented lady ! You really were blessed with an incredibly musical family. How important were these early musical influences ?

A : Well, home life in Grimsby was always chaotic and noisy….everyone singing and playing various instruments. Mum and my sister, Sue, also sang and played the piano and dad played guitar, mouth organ, musical saw, and sang (altho' not all at the same time !) Mum and dad were like "Sonny and Cher", though mum's dresses were not quite as revealing ! They exposed me to such a variety of music that I was never reluctant to try different genres.

Q : Who did you listen to in your teenage years ?

A : I was a great admirer of Shirley Bassey. .still am..we've met and share the same vocal coach, Helena Shenel. I also listened to Barry Manilow quite a bit.

Q : You really were a "show off" from an early age, weren't you ?

A : They 'made' me sing when I was 4…..honest ! You're right…Sue and I were always encouraged to participate in all the music festivals and it never occurred to us that we should be nervous on stage. I always wanted to be like my uncle Paul when I grew up - a great singer, as was my grandad.

Q : So, Mike, when are you going to grow up ?

A : Not for a while-I'm having too much fun exploring different musical avenues--.have so much more to do.

Q : Such as ??

A : You mean apart from working with you again ?? ha !
Well, I'm really excited about the upcoming release of my first solo CD-"Simply…Michael Dore"
It's coming out in time for Valentine's Day and with all the upcoming International performances planned, I can hardly keep up with myself !

Q : What can we expect from the CD ?

A : It's a mixture of stuff…with some great musicians playing with me. Geoff Eales is on piano (& me on a few tracks), Scott Cook, from the US, on cello, Suzanne Willison on harp, Steve McManus on bass, and Chris Dagley on drums. We've also got "strings" on a few of the tracks. I think there's something for everyone on the CD....standards, light pop, jazz, "blues", along with some Porter, Sondheim, Stevie Wonder & Irving Berlin.

Q : That's great, but as a Canadian, I have to ask if there are any plans to return to Canada. Your last Christmas performances with the Canadian Brass were truly memorable.

A : Who has been whispering in your ear ? Actually, I'll be in Toronto in January for discussions for more Canadian concerts and to promote the CD…stay tuned !

Q : You've sung duets with some of the best in the business….Claire Moore, Mary Carewe, Jacqueline Barron , Gemma Craven, Dame Diana Rigg….Sarah Brightman. Did you ever go to her and Andrew Lloyd Webber's house ? Any canapes and Champagne ?? I'm so jealous, you know.

A : I actually did go to 'the house', but not when Sarah was there…arrived at the lounge via a lift...a bit like Grace Brothers ! I really enjoyed singing with Sarah..she was lovely. The only problem was getting on the platform with her…there was so much gown !! I still remember singing and dancing on television with Dame Diana Rigg...she threw me around the stage!

Q : If you had to choose your most special performance….

A : This is easy…..the wonderful night my mother joined me on stage and sang with me…nothing will ever top that….thanks mum.

Q : Any other highlights ?

A : Well, how can I forget singing to the legendary Alice Faye in "A night of 100 stars"…..she was quite old at that stage, but those legs !!! I'd also have to include meeting and appearing on the same concert bill as Adelaide Hall (Duke Ellington's singer from the Cotton Club days).

Q : You know, it's your spirit and energy behind each song that really impresses me-I can't wait for the CD….hint..hint….personally autographed would be a nice touch ! All the best with your upcoming plans…can you take me with you to places like Australia, South Africa and the Caribbean ?

A : Thanks….what dedication do you want on the CD ? Avery, buddy, good luck to you, too, in the future….let's hope you'll be over here in the UK more and we'll get to see more of each other. I really do look forward to sharing the stage with you again, my friend. You're a "pro" in the true sense of the word. I'd love to have you along on tour….let's talk in Toronto soon.