Mike started playing as a teenager and went on to study privately with professional players Colin Oxley and the late Cedric West.

He turned professional in 1990 and now juggles a busy schedule of performing and teaching.

Greatly admiring the playing of such early acoustic jazz guitarists as Dick McDonough and George Van Eps, he decided to specialise in solo plectrum guitar. His repertoire has now broadened to include his own compositions and arrangements in various other styles.

He is experienced in playing for restaurants and weddings, and has also given a solo recital at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Reviews

"Whenever I hear Mike at a folk club or session I mentally put my fingers down my throat and burn my guitar; likewise when I hear his mellow influence in dance bands. He’s just too good!
After hearing his latest CD I am actually considering putting my fingers down my throat and .... .....
The 14 superb tracks jolt one back to remembering that the guitar does not have to be electric and loud it’s smootchy smooth, sexy, calming, rhythmic and exciting yet peaceful. With favourites such as Honeysuckle Rose it is like sitting in the sun slow down ~ soak it up!
An assortment of tunes: jazz from Ike Isaacs and Johnny Smith; traditional by O'Carolan and Pat Shaw and even Jerome Kern and, would you believe, Mike Chapman.
If you like guitar, or wish something pleasing and relaxing then phone Mike and buy a copy Mike is not just a local Essex lad ~ much loved at folk clubs etc., but is one of those unsung heroes behind many a big name: Dave Swarbrick, Eddie walker, Duck Baker, Chris Newman, and Fiddlin’ Around. ~ To be given a CD such is this for review this, is the only perk of the job. I am keeping it; and I will keep playing it. "
efn magazine March 2004

"Mike Chapman comes from a long line of distinguished plectrum guitar players dating back to the '20s like Eddie Lang, Dick McDonough and Carl Kress, who with consummate skill played a mix of solo lines and chordal melodies to great effect, using the guitar in a pianistic way. The range of artistry and music styles presented here is broadly romantic, comprising very English sounding original chord melodies, bluegrass ragtime influences, Ike lsaacs numbers, Spanish inflections, swing, O'Carolan and a Bamey Kessell Latin tune. Honeysuckle Rose is a highlight as are the originals, This Ones for You and Careful on the Crossing, and throughout the album the notes played on a large bodied acoustic guitar resonate clearly, balance well and sustain beautifully."
Kathy Dyson - Musician magazine June 2004.

Mike is an acoustic guitarist (from Essex) who has a very inspired sound. Smoochy, jazzy, bluesy smooth but always calmly relaxed. He's the kind of instrumentalist for our singarounds - takes the heat out of the singing!
Notes on the insert are highly musical and good for the technically minded. There is a tender and touching version of O'Carolans 'Sheebeg Sheemore' - all arranged in a minor key. 'Nan's Waltz' written by Pat Shaw is just divine - very haunting. Tunes range from self-composed to Ike Isaacs, Johnny Smith and Barney Kessel. Understandably, Mike is in high demand as a session backing guitarist. A superb listening CD - at the finish we remarked That went quick' and promptly played it again.
Around Kent Folk June/July 2005.