A Conversation with Mike Abbott, Lead Guitar
An Interview with Mike Abbott, CJRO’s Guitarist Extraordinaire
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 also taught piano which helped with 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..the Breezin’ album. It was all over after that! It was deep into jazz at that point.
What 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 Eric Gunnison tribute to Chick Corea October of last year.
What’s your favorite piece to play with the band?
Mmmm...This is definitely a tough one. Drew’s funky version of Don’t Get Around Much is definitely a favorite.
What do you like most about playing with the CJRO?
For sure, 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?
The music of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, or Miles.
What music are you listening to right now?
I definitely got into a lot of new and new/old music this past summer..Roy Hargrove, Robert Glasper Experiment have gotten a lot of play.
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? Please share the links so people can hear your extensive library of work.
2B3 Jimi - Tribute to Jimi Hendrix:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6PqbDnjE8LLVGsDiQg6g6z?si=6jK5FxR5RqeLJbg7t01Cvg
Light and The Muse - featuring Eric Gunnison:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6nv01Is5q2dSLZjOLC7Cgh?si=i0lMrl8_T5WYYRIFFf0dbg
Here is my Youtube Channel which has a number of really fun live recordings:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6nv01Is5q2dSLZjOLC7Cgh?si=i0lMrl8_T5WYYRIFFf0dbg
And of course the CJRO YouTube Channel - A lot of my guitar is heard there:
https://www.youtube.com/@coloradojazzrepertoryorche8005
Any last thoughts?
I’m soooo looking forward to this Oct.19th concert…thank you CJRO!!
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. Purchase tickets on the CJRO websitehttps://www.coloradojazz.org/concerts