Born and raised in London, Mike “Sugar” Cahen is a versatile musician and composer known for his work on guitar, bass, and the Mohan Veena (a rare Indian instrument with 21 strings).

 

Early Inspiration

 

Music was always present in Mike’s life—from childhood memories of The Shadows playing Apache on black‑and‑white TV, to the sounds of pirate radio and the creative explosion of London’s Swinging Sixties. Like many young musicians of the era, he began by singing as a choirboy at Holy Trinity Church in Richmond, Surrey.

 

Learning the Guitar

 

A move from Richmond to Montpellier, South of France, marked the beginning of Mike’s guitar journey. A pivotal moment came in Vers‑Pont du Gard, when he picked up a friend’s guitar and declared: “I’m going to learn to play this thing.”

Initially self‑taught, he studied classical guitar methods on his mother’s old German parlour guitar. After a year of practice with arpeggios, chords, and classical pieces, he received his first electric setup: a Maya Japanese Strat copy paired with an Italian Gem 20‑watt amp. This marked the start of a lifelong exploration of tone, style, and musical expression.

  

 

The Early Learning Years

 

 In Montpellier, there were only two guitar methods available at the time: one by American jazz guitarist Mickey Baker, and the other by French session player Pierre Fanen. Beyond those slim resources, learning to play meant immersing myself in vinyl records, carefully listening and trying to decode how my heroes were creating their sounds.

Every note was a puzzle:

• Was it an open tuning?
• Which scale, position, or fingering were they using?
• How did they achieve that vibrato or chord voicing?
• What guitar or amp was behind the tone?

It was a world of trial and error, a slowly unfolding mystery that demanded patience and obsession. Along the way, I was fortunate to have some influential encounters that shaped my path—beginning with the pianist Raymond Fol, whose artistry left a lasting impression on my musical journey.

  

 

 

Influential Encounters

 

My mother spent WWII in Brittany with her childhood friend Raymond Fol, who would later become the pianist in the Hot Club de France alongside Django Reinhardt. Raymond was also a close friend of Duke Ellington, even appearing as a guest soloist with his band.

As a teenager, I was fortunate to be welcomed into Raymond’s world. He would invite me to hear his trio at festival gigs in the South of France, and afterwards take me backstage. There, I met extraordinary musicians such as Sam Woodyard, drummer of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and the legendary bluesman Buddy Guy. These encounters left a deep impression on me, showing firsthand the artistry, energy, and humanity of the greats.

 

Hollywood and the G.I.T Years

 

After a decade of playing, gigging, and recording my first sessions in the South of France, I felt the need to push further. That decision led me across the Atlantic to the Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.) at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

Before committing, I made a first “scouting trip” to the U.S., visiting the Berklee School of Music in Boston before heading west to Los Angeles. While Berklee impressed me, it was the intimate, family‑like atmosphere of G.I.T. that won me over. At that time, the school was a true hub of guitar mastery, with an astonishing lineup of teachers and visiting artists.

I found myself surrounded by some of the greatest guitarists of the era:

• Robben Ford
• Joe Pass
• Frank Gambale
• Keith Wyatt
• Art Renshaw
• Joe Diorio
• Paul Gilbert
• Tommy Tedesco
• Larry Carlton
• Eddie Van Halen
• Jennifer Batten
• Steve Vai
• Ray Gomez
• Eric Johnson
• Larry Coryell
• Ron Eschete …and many others who would shape the sound of modern guitar.

Being in Hollywood at that time, immersed in such a vibrant community, was both humbling and electrifying. It wasn’t just about learning scales or techniques—it was about being part of a living tradition, absorbing wisdom directly from the legends who defined the instrument.

 

G.I.T with Joe Pass

Fellow Students & Hollywood Anecdotes

 

During my time at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, I was surrounded by an extraordinary circle of fellow students, many of whom would go on to leave their mark on music: Jeff Buckley, John Frusciante, Kurt Bisquera, Allen Hinds, Jimmy Herring, Enzo Tedesco, and Marie Ange Martin among them.

 

Post jam insights from Robben Ford at G.I.T. 

 

Life in Hollywood

 

I shared flats in two locations—first on North Orange Drive, just steps from Mann’s Chinese Theatre, and later on North Fuller Avenue, where most of the real action unfolded.

Living a couple of floors above us was Valerie Van Halen, ex‑wife of drummer Alex Van Halen. She struggled with addiction, and every so often her boyfriend would call on my roommate Chris to “wake her up.” It was a raw reminder of the darker side of Hollywood life.

 

Mentorship & Music Circles

 

Our guiding figure during those years was Murray MacMillan, a British sound engineer based in L.A. who worked with major touring acts like Deep Purple. Musicians often left him guitars to “break in,” and he became both mentor and friend. Murray would take us to the Cat and Fiddle on Sunset Boulevard—a pub run by Kim Gardener, bassist from the British Invasion era—where we’d hang out among musicians and industry figures.

He also had a knack for sneaking us into SIR Studios to watch rehearsals. One of the most unforgettable moments came when I confessed my obsession with Boogie amps. Murray casually said he knew someone selling a few, and the next thing I knew, we were walking into a Black Sabbath rehearsal.

Inside a small, dark room, Tony Iommi, Glenn Hughes, and the band were playing at ear‑splitting volume. When they finished, Murray showed me the amps for sale: a towering stack of 300‑watt Boogie Coliseum heads. The sheer power of that sound was overwhelming—and it quickly cured me of the idea of hauling one back to France.

 

Brian Fahey and Family Support

 

For 15 years I was married to singer Amanda Fahey, daughter of the renowned British arranger and bandleader Brian Fahey. Both Brian and his wife Audrey were wonderfully supportive of our musical projects, offering encouragement and guidance at every step.

Brian’s generosity extended beyond advice—he wrote the charts for our band projects and even co‑wrote the tune “Spice” for one of Amanda’s albums. His experience, musicianship, and belief in what we were creating added a richness and professionalism that left a lasting mark on my journey.

 

  Brian Fahey with Ella Fiztgerald.   'Satin Doll'

  

 

Session Work

 

Over the years, I’ve built a wide portfolio of freelance session work across the U.K., France, and Spain, collaborating with producers, artists, and studios on a variety of projects ranging from pop and rock to jazz and experimental music.

Some of the studios and production houses I’ve worked with include:

• RWP Productions (U.K.)
• Konk Studios (London – The Kinks’ recording studio)
• Davout Studios (Paris)
• El Cortijo Studios (Spain)
• Euromedia
• Harryson
• Aquarium Studios
• Milkshake Studios
• Studios d’Aguesseau
• The Tube Station

These experiences gave me the chance to adapt to different genres, refine my skills as a session guitarist, arranger, and producer, and contribute to projects that demanded both technical precision and creative flexibility.

 

 

 Recording at the Kink's 'Konk Studios, London with Al Hodge for Suzi Quatro.

 

 With producer Trevor Morais, El Cortijo Studios, Spain.

 

Video of El Cortijo, Studios. 

 

 With Jean Roussel, Konk Studios, London.

 

Collaborations & Projects

 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing and working on projects with a wide range of artists and musicians across genres and generations. These include:

• Elkie Brooks – legendary British vocalist
• Lionel Richie – international pop and soul icon
• Suzi Quatro – pioneering rock bassist and singer
• Benjamin Zephaniah – poet, writer, and performer
• Ina Forsman (Finland) – rising blues and soul artist
• Katarina Pejak (Croatia) – acclaimed blues pianist and singer

Alongside these names, I’ve contributed to countless sessions with bands, solo artists, and producers, bringing my experience as a guitarist, arranger, and session player to a wide variety of musical contexts.

 

 

 Lionel Ritchie. 

 

 

Elkie Brooks at her rehearsal/recording studio. 1999

 

 With Elkie Brooks 2024

 

My career has taken me across Europe and North Africa, performing at festivals, concert halls, and tours that span genres from blues to jazz to soul. Highlights include:

• B.B.C. Live in Belfast
• Maryport Blues Festival
• The Unfinished Business Tour
• The Strange Fruit Tour
• The Hits and the Blues Tour
• The Shangri‑La Tour
• The Christian Harling / Dionne Warwick Tour
• Berlin Acoustic Nights / Holy Grail Guitar Show

In addition to these tours, I’ve played concerts in France, Germany, Switzerland, the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, bringing my music to audiences across borders and cultures.

 

 

Blenheim Palace soundcheck. 

 

Demos & Clinics

Alongside performing and recording, I’ve been invited to collaborate with luthiers, pickup makers, and amp builders across Europe and the U.S., presenting demos, clinics, and masterclasses that showcase both their craftsmanship and my approach to tone and technique.

Brands and builders I’ve worked with include:

• Vilas Guitars (Spain)
• Lag Hyvibe (France)
• M‑Tone Guitars (U.S.)
• Daguet Guitars (France)
• San Lorenzo Guitars (France)
• Bare Knuckle Pickups (U.K.)
• Andy Manson Guitars (U.K.)
• Seth Baccus Guitars (U.K.)
• Ergon Guitars (Portugal)
• Tao Guitars (Belgium)
• Hilko Guitars (Belgium)
• Meloduende Guitars (France)
• VL Effects (France)
• Cornford Amplification (U.K.)
• Sheldon Amplification (U.K.)
• Pistol Guitars

These collaborations have allowed me to explore a wide spectrum of sounds—from innovative acoustic‑electric hybrids to hand‑wound pickups and boutique amps—while sharing insights with players and audiences who value both tradition and innovation.

 

💿 Albums & Recordings

 

Over the years, I’ve contributed to and released a wide range of recordings across genres—from world music and instrumental projects to solo acoustic work and collaborations with international artists.

Selected Discography:

• Elkie Brooks Live: Don’t Cry Out Loud
• Benjamin Zephaniah: Naked
• The Absia Project: Chill Out on the Seine (World Music)
• Rock Tendences (Instrumental Music)
• Mike Cahen: Unplugged at Home, Acoustic & Electric Guitar Compilation I, Acoustic & Electric Guitar Compilation II, The Japanese Crane's wife, Bottle neck blues
• Coast to Coast
• Parisian Nights – RogMikEnzo (Live)
• Daydream – Amanda Fahey

 

🎸 Collaborations

 

Guitarists

I’ve shared projects and stages with: Alvin Lee (Ten Years After), Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), Geoff Whitehorn (Paul Rodgers, The Who, Paul McCartney), Al Hodge, Van Wilks, Phil Palmer, Sal Bernardi (Rickie Lee Jones), Gary Hoey, Mar Todani, Patrice Meyer.

Producers

Worked under the direction of world‑class producers including: Jean‑Alain Roussel (Bob Marley, Rolling Stones), Trevor Morais (Björk, Tina Turner), Duncan Mackay (10cc, Kate Bush), Steven Forward (Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood, Johnny Hallyday).

Keyboard Players

Jean Roussel, Johnny Dyke, Brandon Christy, Duncan Mackay, Jacques Bouniard, Gary Karp, Peter Faint, Eric Chevalier.

Bass Players

Steve York (Eric Clapton), Roger Inniss (RogMikEnzo, Chaka Khan, Mick Taylor, Blues Caravan), Brian Badhams, Ken “Big Dawg” Smith (Nashville session player), Emana, George Wolfhaardt, Kim Yarbrough.

Drummers

Enzo Todesco, Patrick Buchmann, Ken Dalluge, Mike Richardson, Gerry Conway, Jaimie Little, Alain Decampos.

Indian Classical Musicians

Sabir Sultan Khan (Sarangi), Amanat (Sitar).

 

 

🎬 Music for Syncs & Publishing

 

As a member of Speegra Publishing (London), I’ve written and recorded a catalogue of tracks for advertising, film, and media, many of which are available on the Speegra website.

Selected Syncs & TV/Website Work:

• Country Club
• Peugeot

 

🎓 Teaching & Seminars

 

Teaching has always been a central part of my career, from one‑to‑one mentorship to international seminars.

• Mike’s Music Connection: seminars and clinics designed to share advanced guitar techniques and professional insights.
• International Music Seminars (Antibes, Montpellier): teaching and coordination alongside world‑class musicians including Robben Ford, Al Di Meola, Pat Metheny, Joe Diorio, Ritchie Beirach, Gary Hoey, Jacques Bouniard, Frank Gambale, Ken Dalluge, Quest, and the Chick Corea Band.
• Cours Florent (Paris): ensemble rehearsals with Jean Roussel, Marten Ingle, Bobby Rangell, and Arnaud Frank.
• The Centre Agora (Paris) & MJC (Nîmes): workshops and ensemble coaching.

 

🎸 Equipment

 

Guitars (over the years)

• Classical (brand unknown)
• Maya Strat copy
• Ibanez Les Paul copy
• Ibanez Firebird copy
• Ibanez Silver Series Strat copy
• Ibanez double‑neck 12/6 string
• Yamaha SG 200
• Ibanez bass, Larivée bass
• Gibson 335 Sunburst, Gibson 335 Dot
• Gibson Les Paul Standard ’79
• Fender Strat (JV Squier)
• Danelectro, Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson 175
• Vox Phantom, Martin, Classical
• Meloduende Phantom, Martin D28, Fender Telecaster
• Pistol Guitars
• Martin OM (François Champarnaud handbuilt acoustic)

 

Amplifiers

 

• Early Amps: Gem 20w, Music Man 212 HD 130, Roland 20w, Mesa Boogie, Cornford, Sheldon 1.5w, Line 6
• In the Studio: Music Man, Marshall 2x12, Mesa Boogie, Line 6 Pro, Cornford, Rocktron, Rockman, Fender Deluxe
• On Stage: Cornford, Mesa Boogie, Sheldon, Music Man, Peavey, Charlie Acoustic, AER, Line 6, Marshall, Fender

 

🎶 Influences

 

From the very beginning, my ears were tuned to the sounds of The Rolling Stones, a local band from Richmond whose evolving guitar, amp, and studio tones became a lifelong study.

• Keith Richards inspired me with his raunchy, gritty sound, impeccable timing, fearless attitude, and his call‑and‑response style of rhythm and lead. His mastery of open tunings opened up whole new worlds of expression.
• Brian Jones brought the magic of slide guitar, adding a raw, emotional edge that left a lasting impression.

As my journey deepened, I drew inspiration from a wide spectrum of guitarists and blues greats, each leaving their mark on my playing:

• Mick Taylor
• Peter Green
• Gary Moore
• Eric Clapton
• Jeff Beck
• Albert King
• Otis Rush
• Robben Ford
• Sonny Landreth
• Ry Cooder
• David Bromberg
• Mike Bloomfield
• Johnny Winter

These artists shaped my approach to tone, phrasing, and storytelling on the guitar—blending British blues, American roots, and the exploratory spirit of jazz and slide traditions.