[2] Downes began performing in his native Winnipeg, where he was named "Jazz Musician of the Year" at Silver Heights Collegiate high school.

He was chosen as a member of the Canadian All-Star stage band (trombone) in the 1982 MusicFest Canada competition.

In 1990 Downes moved to Toronto and began frequently performing in jazz clubs such as the Top O' the Senator and the Jazz Bistro, as well as concert venues such as Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, CBC's Glenn Gould Theatre and the O'Keefe Centre.

Following that release Jazz Report magazine noted "Bassist Mike Downes is one of Canada's immensely talented young giants."

He has performed with Canadian artists including Molly Johnson,[4] Oliver Jones, PJ Perry, Don Thompson, Seamus Blake, Guido Basso and Pat LaBarbera and with international jazz artists including Pat Metheny,[5] Chris Potter, John Abercrombie, Peter Erskine, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Dave Liebman and others.