MIKE LITTLE :: Keys To The Universe
Indepdendent :: Release Date: June 12, 2026
Mike Little, co-founder of The Hello Darlins and one of Canada’s most in-demand keyboardists, passed away on June 13 at the age of 54. Mike had been engaged in a lengthy battle with cancer, and enduring the progress and setbacks that often accompany treatment. He chose to keep his health private, instead concentrating on making music as he always had.
All of us who worked with him — and loved him — were hoping he was just experiencing another rough patch, but sadly that was not the case. The silver lining is that we were able to get Mike’s long-gestating solo album Keys To The Universe out into the world before he departed.
Comprised of both brand new and old school funk jams, the 11-track collection was recorded in often-spontaneous situations in Mike’s home studio in Calgary, with a core band consisting of drummer Adam Dowling, bassist Mike Lent and guitarist Murray Pulver, with other friends such as guitarist Russell Broom (Jann Arden) and bassist Chris Byrne (The Road Hammers) chipping in.
Along with seven instrumentals that include The Meters’ classic “Cissy Strut” and Jimmy Smith’s “Chicken Shack,” four songs feature guest vocals from Matt Andersen, Cory Tetford, Jack Semple, and all of The Hello Darlins—led by Mike’s partner in life and music Candace Lacina—on the album’s jubilant first single, “Good Thing Going On.”
Making Keys To The Universe was truly a labour of love for Mike, and now stands as a lasting testament to his talent. As he said in describing the album, “I started touring with blues bands right out of high school. I lived at the King Eddy in Calgary and played the blues jams for rent money, along with teaching music. I bought my first Hammond B3 and Leslie speaker from Brian Brown, who owned Western Keyboards in Calgary. It’s the very same organ I still play every day. That instrument opened the door to countless musical experiences and opportunities that helped shape the course of my life. I love B3, and it is more than just a keyboard to me. I believe it was my destiny to play this instrument, be in bands, and teach. Music has been my best friend.”
