During the early 80s Mick Hutton played an average of 7 gigs per week in London with various artists including Django Bates, Tim Whitehead's Borderline, Roger Dean's Lysis and subsequently joined Gordon Beck's band. Toured Europe with Roger Dean and Gordon Beck, playing in Scandinavia and at European Jazz festivals. Recorded albums and radio broadcasts with the aforementioned and also broadcasted and performed with the John Taylor Sextet. Recorded with Harry Beckett. In the latter half of the decade played many times at Ronnie Scott's jazz club with artists that include, Iain Ballamy, Pharoah Saunders, Bobby Wellins, Tim Garland and Stan Sulzmann. Played on the sound track of the film Absolute Beginners (under the direction of Gil Evans). Joined Bill Bruford's Earthworks, recorded and toured in USA, Japan, Europe and Scandinavia. Toured in Morocco, Israel, Rumania for the British Council with Graham Collier and Iain Ballamy. Recorded with Humphrey Lyttelton and Kenny Davern. Recorded two albums for the ECM label with First House, led by Ken Stubbs and including Django Bates. Played with many visiting USA musicians including Benny Waters, Mark Murphy, Richie Cole, Yank Lawson, Charlie Byrd, Tal Farlow, Slim Gaillard, Maxine Sullivan, Kenny Clarke, Johnny Griffin and Joe Henderson.