Wednesday 18 December 2013

Mick Abrahams: The Blues Is Everything

Michael Timothy 'Mick' Abrahams was the original guitarist for Jethro Tull. He recorded the album This Was with the band in 1968. Abrahams wanted to pursue a more blues/rock direction, while Anderson wanted to incorporate more overt folk and jazz influences. 
Abrahams went on to found Blodwyn Pig and the group recorded two albums, Ahead Rings Out (1969) and Getting to This (1970) before breaking up in 1970. Abrahams soldiered on with the short-lived Wommet, then the Mick Abrahams Band and has continued to release albums by himself and with reunited versions of Blodwyn Pig.
He has worked as a driver, lifeguard and financial consultant, occasionally playing gigs, especially to support causes in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.
Abrahams caused some controversy in Tull fan circles for his formation of a band called 'This Was' in the late 1990s, which reunited the members of the first incarnation of Jethro Tull (with the exception of Anderson) to perform songs from that era of Jethro Tull's music. Abrahams has also participated in Jethro Tull reunions, as well as one-off projects and gigs over the years.
According to his website, Abrahams suffered a heart attack in November 2009 and would have to recuperate before resuming work. In April 2010 his website revealed that he was suffering from Ménière's disease, which would hold him back from performing at least for another year.
What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?
Life, love everything
Which is the most interesting period in your life? Which was the best and worst moment of your career?
Every period in my life has been interesting. I would say the best moment was playing at the Albert Hall and the worst was just recently when I had two heart attacks and a stroke which has left me slightly disabled and unable to play properly.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
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Lies
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Pigthology
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