Mike Arroyo
Jazz Guitarist,composer and arranger Mike Arroyo is from 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 scool in his home town of Vega Baja.Mike would carry a guitar along with his shcool books.Mike's twin brother was also in school with him,and like his brother he carried a five-doubled-string instrument called "Cuatro".
Mike and his twin brother's deep love for music was evidently inspired by his parents Elvy,and Rev.Antonio Arroyo who passed away as Mike states,"Straight To
Heaven".They not only sowed into their sons lives this deep love for music,but to strongly love the true Creator of music,God.
Mike has studied at both the Conservatory of Music,and at the Interamerican University of P.R.In addition,he has studied guitar with guitarist-teachers
Georgina Olmo,Dr.Jorge Pastrana,Tony Marrero,Vic Juris,Jody Fisher,and Charlie Banacos.
Mike Arroyo is considered a pioneer in the sacred music scene in Puerto Rico.In 2001,Mike record his first musical production "Straight To Heaven", using the jazz genre as a venue to praise,and exalt God.He is credited of being the first Christian-jazz guitarist
to organize 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 some of the best international musicians such as John Benitez,Alon Yavnai,Richie Flores,Jason Lidner,Gene Jackson and other.
The 2004 was full of great accomplishments for Chrristian-jazz guitarrist Mike arroyo.It is in 2004 that he graduates Cum Laude from the interamerican University of Puerto Rico ,and that he had the privilege 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.
In 2005,Mike continue with his pioneer work by holding 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 Cristian-instrumental album in 2005.
In 2006 Mike become a Pastor of The Breñas Community Church IDDPMI,Vega Alta P.R. same community where he raised.
In 2006 Mike was nominated by My People Latin Award in P.R.
In 2007 he open Crescendo Music School in Guaynabo,P.R.
In 2007 he start recording his new Cd project "Street Jam" in New Yersey.
In 2008 Mike participated with his group at The Hartford Ct. Jazz Fest succesfully.Also played at the Festival:Nick Collione,Jeff Lobber,Dana Lauren,Giacomo Gates,Ray Blue,Kendrick Oliver and others.
He uses the the jazz genre to praise the Lord and deliver Peace,Love and Joy to those who listen to him at churches,clubs,hotels and other venues.
Some of the musicians he has participated with are:Bobby Grozser,Tony Marrero,Jorge Marrero,John Benitez,Alon Yavnai,Richie Flores,Christos Rafalidez,Jason Lindner,Steve Hass,Gene Jackson,Dominic Lalic,Duduka de Fonseca,Oscar Stagnaro,Felipe Salle,Pedro Bermudez,Luis Marin,Jochi Rodriguez,Angel David Mattos,Jimmy Rivera,Roberto Jimenez,Velez Brothers,Hershell Rosario,Ronchi,Konkie Halmeyer and others.
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.
To God be the Glory.
By.Dr.Jorge L. Pastrana