A Conversation with Mike Abbott, Guitar

When did you start playing guitar and was it your first instrument? 

I was seven years old. My first instrument was piano, which I started at three because I heard my Mom playing. She taught piano which started and helped my love of music.

When were you attracted to playing jazz? Was it your first musical choice as a musician? 

When I was about 12, my teacher turned me on to George Benson’s Breezin’ album. It was all over after that! It was deep into jazz at that point. 

Which artists have been your biggest musical influences?

George Benson, Dale Bruning (a wonderful jazz player and teacher here in Denver), Jim Hall (Dale turned me on to him), John Abercrombie, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Jimi Hendrix; too many blues, rock, and R&B artists to name!

How long have you played with the CJRO?

For about seven or eight years. Art Bouton is the man, he made it all happen!

What’s been your favorite CJRO gig to date?

There are so many, but some highlights include the Larry Braggs and Tatiana Mayfield shows at the Arvada Center Amphitheatre, and the Eric Gunnison tribute to Chick Corea in October of last year. 

What’s your favorite piece to play with the band?

This is definitely a tough one, but Drew [Zaremba']’s funky version of ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ is definitely a favorite.

What do you like most about playing with the CJRO?

Definitely all of the members of the band, and also the variety of music that the band plays.

If you could do any concert theme with the band, what would it be?

It would be great to do the music of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, or Miles Davis for a full show.

What music are you listening to right now? 

I definitely got into a lot of both new and old music this past summer. Roy Hargrove and the Robert Glasper Experiment have gotten a lot of play from me.

What artist would you love to or would have loved to play music with if given the chance? 

Miles Davis!

What are a few of the numbers you’ll be playing in the upcoming Guitar Gods concert? 

We’re doing a Beatles song, “Oh Darlin’”. There’s an incredible arrangement of it on a George Benson Tribute to the Beatles album. And of course George Benson’s “Breezin’” - that’s where my love of jazz started!

Do you have your music on any streaming platforms or your website?

2B3 Jimi - Tribute to Jimi Hendrix

Light and The Muse - featuring Eric Gunnison

And of course the CJRO YouTube Channel - a  lot of my guitar is heard there:

Any last thoughts? 

I’m soooo looking forward to this Oct.19th concert … thank you CJRO for featuring me and this amazing guitar music!

Get tickets to hear Mike and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra perform on October 19, 7:30 p.m., Guitar Gods: Metheny, Montgomery other Greats of Their Time at the Arvada Center!