Primary Instrument: Guitar, electric
Jazz guitarist, composer and arranger Mike Arroyo is a native of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He was 8 years old when his parents bought him his first guitar. At 15, he started music lessons at the Lino Padro Rivera high school, continuing with formal studies at the Conservatory of Music, and at the Inter-American University of P.R. In addition, he has studied guitar with guitarist-teachers Georgina Olmo, Dr.Jorge Pastrana, Tony Marrero, Fernando Mattina, Jody Fisher, and Charlie Banacos.
Mike Arroyo is considered a pioneer in the sacred music scene in Puerto Rico. In 2001, he recorded his first musical production “Straight To Heaven.” He also produced and organized a “Christian Jazz Night Concert” with the participation of Puerto Rican pianist Luis Marin and trumpet player Jochi Rodriguez.
In 2003, Mike finished his second musical production “My Jazzy Mood” with the collaboration of musicians such as John Benitez, Alon Yavnai, Richie Flores, Jason Lidner, Gene Jackson and others.
He graduated Cum Laude from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, in 2004, and went on to study with guitarist-educator Jody Fisher at the National Guitar Workshop in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, Mike was nominated and granted with the first edition of the “Century Music Latin Award”, as the best album and new artist in the sacred-jazz genre in Puerto Rico.
Continuing with his pioneer work, he held his second “Christian Jazz Night” concert in Puerto Rico, including Latin/jazz musicians such as John Benitez, Angel David Mattos, Roberto Jimenez, Pedro Bermudez, Robert Cancel, Millie Laracuent, Angel Perez and Manny Arroyo to mention a few. This concert is available in DVD. In addition, Mike received the “Paoli Award” in the category of the best Christian-instrumental album in 2005.
In 2006 Mike become a Pastor of The Breñas Community Church IDDPMI, Vega Alta P.R. the same community where he was raised. The same year he was nominated by My People Latin Award in P.R.
Arroyo participated with his group at the 2008 Hartford Ct. Jazz Fest where he received a warm audience response. 2009 saw the release of “Transition” his 3rd CD.
He uses talent with the jazz guitar and offers his music to praise the Lord and deliver Peace, Love and Joy to those who listen to him at churches, clubs, hotels and other venues.
Mike Arroyo offers lectures and workshops at his Academy of Music (Musiclab) in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. His music career continues to grow receiving critical acclaim from the mainstream media in Puerto Rico as the leading exponent of the sacred jazz genre in the island.
Source: Dr.Jorge L. Pastrana
Arroyo prefers a gentle touch and a fluid technique that allows him to enunciate melodies simply and plainly. Electric bass, drums, a distant piano and catch-all congas complement the sound. Solo work comes from piano, tenor saxophone, vibraphone, and Arroyo’s guitar, which he uses to emphasize straightforward melodies. Jim Santella - all about jazz -
Primary Instrument:
Guitar, electric
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
