Mark Knopfler’s song “What It Is” is one of the most memorable tracks from his solo career. Released in 2000, the song appears as the opening track on his second solo studio album, Sailing to Philadelphia.
Today, we would like to share another beautiful cover performance by Mike DiFiore, a talented guitarist, songwriter, music producer, and recording engineer from London, UK.
Mike has already been featured several times on Dire Straits Blog thanks to his impressive interpretations of songs by Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. His performances continue to show his deep appreciation for Knopfler’s unique guitar style and songwriting.
Mike DiFiore’s Version of “What It Is”
The video below was recorded on April 4, 2014, when Mike was only 24 years old. At that time, he was still developing his skills as a young musician and exploring his own sound.
Although the recording quality is not perfect, the performance highlights Mike’s strong vocals, his understanding of Mark Knopfler’s rhythm guitar style, and his ability to capture the feeling of the original song.
Speaking about the recording, Mike explained:
“Sorry about the bad camera work, one of the shots is out of focus and the shutter speed was too slow.”
Despite the technical limitations, the performance shows his musical talent and dedication.
A Young Musician With Great Potential
At the time of this video, Mike DiFiore was still a young and inexperienced musician. However, his interpretation of “What It Is“ already showed the qualities that would continue to develop throughout his career.
Mark Knopfler’s music is known for its subtle details, emotional melodies, and unique guitar approach. Capturing that atmosphere is not easy, but Mike manages to bring his own personality while respecting the original version.
Over the years, Mike’s performances have reached an even higher level. His continued work as a musician, producer, and engineer has helped him improve his technique and musical expression.
Watch Mike DiFiore’s Mark Knopfler Cover
Music is a never-ending journey. There is always something new to learn, improve, and discover.
Mike DiFiore’s version of “What It Is” is a beautiful tribute to Mark Knopfler’s songwriting and guitar style. If you enjoy this performance, you can explore more of Mike’s work and other covers featured on Dire Straits Blog.
Enjoy this version of “What It Is” and click here if you would like to read more about Mike and find more videos of him on Dire Straits Blog.
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