Review of 'michael-john azzopardi' (Self-Titled)album

The acoustic guitar is a humble instrument, and we are all well and truly acquainted with its deployment

as a simple, linear and – let’s not mince words – pedestrian musical device. Consequently it is

easy to forget that it is also capable of incredible emotion and complexity. Enter Michael-John Azzopardi’s self titled album. Featuring a mix of traditional songs (for example "Twa Corbies" and "The Little

Drummer" and his own compositions, Azzopardi proves himself to be a supernatural guitarist. His ability

to coax multiple melody lines out of the one instrument is simply breathtaking his mastery of pathos

atmosphere and intensity awe-inspiring

Most of the tracks on this album feature extended musical passages that wind and coil and carry us into wild and unmapped territory. Azzopardi demonstrates a genuinely classical aptitude for gathering momentum and exploring the rich possibilities of a theme. He filters blues, celtic, rock and jazz influences through six strings into a truly unmistakable voice. I daresay that most other singer-songwriters

facing the prospect of sharing a stage with him, would have to feel like utter fakes once his devastating

 music has been revealed

Speaking of singing – Mr Azzopardi’s voice is yet another wonder to behold. Whether soaring angelically or crooning with gravel, his vocals alone could carve him a great reputation. He knows how to coax

the feeling from a lyric, to husband it with tenderness, lust or wit as the moment dictates. Both his voice and his guitar are expert at expressing the subtlest sentiment and the most strident outburst

Perhaps my only complaint about this album is that the production falls down a little. Sometimes things

are not as clear or bright as I would have liked; sometimes some of the overdubbed parts sound like they could have been retaken just one more time to nail down the tightness of the performance. This is a little frustrating – I rather feel these songs deserve better treatment, although fortunately this complaint is relatively insignificant

Having been privileged with seeing him perform live several times I know what I am listening out for

without that advantage you might need a few spins to quite get the hang of things Trust me though – it’s easily worth this minor effort. And as you gradually make sense of the intricate arrangements, bearing in mind that often what sounds like two guitars is actually the one instrument and the one take – well

you won’t get tired of this music for a very long time. There is just so much to explore

Speaking also of exploration – some of these songs paint marvellous pictures of moments in space and time. "The Bells Of St Andrews" in particular sends me right back into similar memories I have of Sydney

Sunday mornings, their romance and the tranquillity of their vast potential. There’s a love of place and perhaps even humanity at work in at least a few of these songs that really sends shivers of delight

through me

This album is a total smorgasbord of inspired progressive folk genius. Every track has a unique feel and

atmosphere and Azzopardi deftly deploys a number of supporting instruments – mandolin, mandorla

blues harp and pipe – to deepen each song’s character. If you love music with passion, pathos or just plain spell-binding virtuosity then I highly recommend this release

Heathen Harvest Music Review by Henry Lauer

"Esoteric genius with a penchant for intricate acoustic masterpieces “…the intensity and depth of his compositions reach right into the listener and takes a firm hold on the soul. In fact, some of the progressions and arrangements are so mind-blowing they might be described as schizophrenic if they weren’t so goddamn sane, beautiful and eloquently reasoned! The poetic, philosophical lyrics–which are at the same time accessible and firmly rooted in everyday reality, or at least a lucid dream of it–also a hint at a remarkably multi–layered artistic force. Michael-John Azzopardi is not the sort of musician you can reasonably assume anything about

Guitarist Australia magazine

click on the "guitarist australia article" link to the left to read the full article

The Poet, The Painter

MICHAEL-JOHN Azzopardi is a quietly understated yet deeply complex artist – an artist as much as a songwriter and poet. Whilst the music he has selected for this debut independent

album is for the most part introspective and acoustically based, there is as much complexity within the word pictures he spins for the listener as there is an apparent simplicity in the melodies. Yet it’s all unpremeditated, as close to a true expression of the mind and soul of the artist as you’re going to get

Drum Media

click on the "room article" link to the left to read the full article

“I spied this place for the first time on Sunday of last week and saw Michael Azzopardi

(I shit you not, this acoustic singer/song-writer is ab-so-lute-ly, strictly, fucking amazing!)

See him people, he will blow your mind

Danny Murphy, Revolver, Music News

If you missed Thursday's show

you missed one of the best lineups we've ever presented. MC Sara Browne, The Mongrel Bastards

Matt Tonks, Nat Belly Slade and band and Michael Azzopardi...."Michael Azzopardi, driving driving

(yep, I said that twice) guitar and vocals closed the show, bringing the house down with him

Michael  is an instinctual  performer, reading the mood like a map and letting the music take him and the audience, where they need to be. What his inspiration is it’s hard to guess, but his music is driven with a passion that seems to well up from the earth

Hearing him play is only half of it. Like Matt Tonks, you have to watch for the full effect. I know you guys think I make this stuff up, and that it’s just hyperbole, but, like Cassandra,  I am compelled  to tell the truth. To have a lineup like that is every music  producer’s dream.  Matt Tonks and Michael Azzopardi on the same bill is enough, but add Nat, the Mongrel Bastards and Sara Browne

and you’ve got a show made in heaven

live review July 2005 at "the Local showcase" @Newtown