Singles Spotlight:
Mike Little –
“Good Thing Going On” (RIP)

Hello reader,

How are you?

Today, I’m eager to discuss an incredible keyboardist who passed just a day after his solo debut album, Keys To The Universe, was released on June 12th. Even though he lost a battle with cancer that he knew he would, Canadian native Mike Little accomplished what he set out to decades in the making, putting out his first solo album into the world to enjoy. Rest in Power, Mike. And it’s one hell of an album, which I love that I get to share with you today. To many, Little’s an under-known Canadian musician, and he shouldn’t be after reading this. I’m here today hoping to change that, shedding more light on Little and his solo album.

Let’s learn a bit more about Little from the press release for the album, “Although he’s now known as co-founder of the internationally acclaimed Canadian alt-country collective The Hello Darlins, Mike Little has spent over 35 years proving that keyboards don’t have to be in the background—they can be a full-blown event. As a master of the Hammond B3 organ, Mike has played on over 100 radio singles and over 30 Top 40 hits, many of which have attained Gold and Platinum status and earned him a stack of CCMA Keyboard Player of the Year awards. In other words, if there’s a keyboard part on a hit Canadian record, there’s a decent chance Mike Little played it.”

Explaining more about his origins and instruments in the press release, Little said, “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.”

The release goes on, “Mike has now fulfilled a lifelong dream of making his debut solo album, Keys To The Universe, which finds him and many of his closest collaborators cutting loose on 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.’ Mike says, ‘Candace and I have spent years building music together, both on and off the stage. Our relationship is woven into the album because she was my biggest supporter and the one who encouraged me to make it. Having The Hello Darlins on the song feels less like a guest spot and more like part of the record’s vibe. We also already had the song written, and it was a good fit.'”

Little was appreciative of those before him in the release, “Along with celebrating these friendships, Mike also sees Keys To The Universe as a tribute to the musicians who taught him along the way, starting with Victoria B.C.’s Louise Rose, who performed with Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and who Mike credits for introducing him to the blues and improvisation when he was 15. Another key influence was Quebec-born Robbie King, whose career began in the 1960s with Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers and stretched into the 1990s with appearances on Bryan Adams albums. Their mentorship has motivated Mike to pay it forward by teaching a new generation of Hammond players.”

All that being said, the least we at SWT can do is introduce this great album to our audience. Thank you for being here and reading this Singles Spotlight. Not only do you get to hear “Good Thing Going On (feat. The Hello Darlins)” but you also get to listen to another song off Mike’s album today! I’m stoked, and hope you are as well.

Consider the following a mini-review. The entire album, from its originals to covers of The Meters’ phenomenal hit “Cissy Strut” and the one and only Jazz Musician who popularized the B3 Hammond organ himself, Jimmy Smith, and his hit “Chicken Shack,” is excellent. Don’t be deterred by the fact that most songs are instrumental. A few seconds into those songs, you’ll still be listening to the raucous, lively melodies and incredible musicianship. After listening a few times to the album I can say that Keys To The Universe is easily a strong 4.5 Scum Drops out of 5 relative to all new releases in 2026. This is fantastic work from the opening notes to the closing ones. It’s funky, it’s bluesy, it’s soulful. Even those who like to be seated while listening to music will be moved. Everyone who listens to this album will dance to at least one of the beats. Those with a little more rhythm will move to all the beats. Enjoy, let the music be your guide. The organ work is immaculate. Kudos to you, Mike Little, for what you did with these songs. And kudos to the other musicians and vocalists on this. It is an album worth adding to your collection. Pick it up digitally on Bandcamp. You will not regret it for a second. Fukengrüven indeed. Amen!

The first song of today’s Spotlight is “Good Thing Going On (feat. The Hello Darlins)” and it kicks off the album with amazing vocals and incredible instrumentation from the band. Press play to check it out:

and the blues-rock goodness within “Earlene (feat. Matt Andersen)”. Matt Andersen and Mike Little both get runway clearance to show off on this one. And they do beautifully. Press play to check it out:

But wait, there’s more!  Check out the stylish outfit for the artwork for the single:

And the cover art for Keys To The Universe:

The track list for Keys To The Universe

1. Good Thing Going On (feat. The Hello Darlins) [4:09]
2. Jalepeño Poppa [4:08]
3. Fukengrüven [3:43]
4. 2 Funky 2 Fold [5:25]
5. The Way She Moves (feat. Jack Semple) [5:32]
6. Chicken Shack [6:08]
7. Jan Jan [5:06]
8. Crosscut Saw (feat. Cory Tetford) [4:08]
9. Cissy Strut [7:39]
10. Earlene (feat. Matt Andersen) [3:36]
11. Whatever [6:50]

Total Runtime: 56:28

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com