About Mike

Mike Pachelli started playing guitar as a youngster in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. His earliest influence was Wes Montgomery who Mike says, "first opened my ears to the possibilities on guitar." Pachelli studied classical guitar at YSU and then moved to New York City to study bebop with guitar luminaries Joe Pass and Pat Martino. Mike's guitar style is an amalgamation of blues, jazz, rock, and neo-classical. He has a wealth of musical experience gained thru years of night clubs, concert halls, and recording studios. He's performed and recorded all over the U.S. and Europe with some of the most eclectic jazz, blues, pop and rock musicians including Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy Smith, Albert King, Keb' Mo', Micky Dolenz, Les & Larry Elgart, Michael Sembello, Tony Levin, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Mas, Phil Keaggy, Frank Stallone (to name a few) and has done classical symphony concerts touring with Ferrante and Teicher.

Guitarists all over the world are well aware of Pachelli's technical prowess and understanding of complex musical theories & harmonic juxtapositioning. Mike's instructional book "Modal Mastery For Guitar Improvisation" and instructional DVD "Electric Guitar Method" are a must for all serious students. Pachelli has received multiple awards for his guitar expertise.


In the 80's and 90's, besides having an active touring schedule, Mike hosted his own TV show in Florida on the WB affiliate. He was seen with his group every Friday and Saturday nights and boasted a 14 million cumulative audience. On TV Mike got to jam with and/or interview stars such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Plant, Dennis Hopper, Zakk Wylde, Allan Holdsworth, Jennifer Connelly, Joe Satriani, and many, many others. Mike is the recipient of ten gold and platinum RIAA awards for his promotional work with artists Mariah Carey, Green Day & Eric Johnson (to name a few).

Pachelli has released 21 Albums as a band leader in a variety of styles and has appeared on dozens of others. His newest is a duet with his long time friend Phil Keaggy.  It's called ADVENTURE-US  The January 2023 VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE says “Phil & Mike combine their efforts on acoustic guitar and the results are both beautiful and staggering.” Mike's previous album BEATLES ON GUITAR is an instrumental album of Mike’s favorite Beatles songs. Before that HIGH STANDARDS- features Tony Levin (bass) & Danny Gottlieb (drums). Keb' Mo' guests on an original track called "Yardbird Blues." It's a swinging CD of classic jazz standards!
Other noteworthy releases by Mike are IMPRESSIONS - Mike's interpretations of his favorite jazz guitarists. Pachelli does a variety of jazz classics in the style of Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Johnny Smith, Pat Martino, Django Reinhardt and Allan Holdsworth! FADE TO BLUE, - a blues/jazz/rock CD that features Kevin McKendree (keys), Rich Russo (drums) and Baba Elefante (bass).  MEETING POINT - featured Mike’s Los Angeles band The BluesMasters comprised of the top L.A. sidemen and a special guest appearance by Brother Jack McDuff. 
Other notable CD's include a 'Miles Davis influenced' quartet CD - ELECTRICITE' that features Andrew W.K. on piano - the critically acclaimed acoustic guitar duet CD TWO OF US with long time friend and mentor Phil Keaggy and A JAZZY GUITAR CHRISTMAS - both released on the prestigious Solid Air Records label.
 

Mike Pachelli has done countless recording sessions, was nominated for Grammy's, composed music for TV & films, recorded VO's for animated films with academy award winner Bill Plympton, appeared in a variety of indie movies, guest starred on many TV shows (see him on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and composed, produced and recorded tracks for hundreds of commercial jingles.

Mike currently resides in the South of France where he is an integral part of the recording and performing scene. Mike's studio FULLBLAST RECORDINGS has produced some of the most eclectic artists on the planet!  Pachelli performs regularly with his jazzy blues band, as sideman for many prominent artists and has millions of views teaching guitar on YouTube and specializing in Beatles lessons.