MICK ABRAHAMS
The Architect of the Tull Sound
Mick’s journey began in Bedfordshire, England and was inspired by the raw power of Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies. While history often focuses on the flute of Ian Anderson, it was Abrahams’ grit and hard-rocking Blues guitar that anchored Jethro Tull’s 1968 debut, This Was. Though his time with the band was brief, his influence on their early residency at The Marquee and their ascent to the club-scene elite was indelible.
The Progressive Pioneer
Driven by a "died-in-the-wool" passion for the Blues, Mick famously split from Jethro Tull to pursue a heavier, more progressive path. He founded Blodwyn Pig, creating a blueprint for a genre that merged Blues with improvisational jazz. Their albums Ahead Rings Out and Getting to This remain high-water marks of the era, showcasing Mick’s ability to weave intricate, soaring riffs with a raw, visceral energy.
A Life in Music and Mentorship
Mick’s career was marked by a refreshingly honest approach to the "business." Whether leading the Mick Abrahams Band or returning to the road with a reformed Blodwyn Pig in the 80s and 90s, he remained a musician's musician.
- His Best-Seller: Ironically, his most successful commercial work was the instructional Have Fun Learning The Guitar, where he shared his craft with thousands of aspiring players.
- The Return: After a thirteen-year hiatus, he returned to the stage, proving that his "terrific riffs" had lost none of their bite.
Cat Squirrel' from Jethro Tull's first album 'This Was
Final Years and Legacy
Despite battling serious health and hearing issues since 2009, Mick’s final years were spent in his own studio, collaborating with old friends and remaining a beloved fixture for fans of the British Blues boom.
As Ian Anderson noted in a moving tribute, while their musical paths diverged, the "mutual respect they enjoyed was a lasting link." Mick Abrahams didn't just play the Blues; he lived them, leaving behind a discography that continues to inspire new generations of guitarists to play with heart, soul, and a little bit of grit.
"I just wanted to play the music I loved." — Mick Abrahams
Recommended Album
The original eclectic mix of rock, blues and jazz is expanded with 7 bonus tracks from Pig's singles output.
Suberb slide and picking on 'Billy the Kid
The music world mourns the loss of Michael Timothy Abrahams, who passed away on December 19th at the age of 82. A foundational architect of the British Blues-Rock explosion, Abrahams leaves behind a legacy defined by uncompromising musical integrity, "explosive" guitar work, and a spirit that refused to follow anything but the music he loved.