michael-john azzopardi - all vocals and instruments
A note to all my musician friends on myspace..............
I DON'T POST ADS ON OTHER PEOPLE'S PROFILES SO PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO POST ADS FOR YOUR UPCOMING SHOWS/NEW RELEASES IN MY COMMENTS SECTION. IF YOU WANT ME TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE DOING THEN MESSAGE ME. ALSO BY ALL MEANS SEND ME A FRIEND REQUEST BUT DON'T MESSAGE ME TO TELL ME TO CHECK OUT YOUR MUSIC (I LISTEN TO ALL MY FRIEND REQUESTS IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN CURIOSITY) WHEN YOU DON'T APPEAR TO HAVE LISTENED TO MY TUNES AND/OR YOU FEEL THE NEED TO TELL ME WE SHARE THE SAME INFLUENCES AND HOW I'D DIG YOUR MUSIC WHEN YOU NEGLECT TO SAY ANYTHING SINCERE ABOUT MY MUSIC - WHICH ALSO LEADS ME TO BELIEVE YOU HAVEN'T LISTEN TO MY MUSIC. I KNOW IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M SPITTING THE DUMMY BUT I PREFER TO SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR MY FELLOW MUSICIANS IN OTHER WAYS THAT DON'T INCLUDE ASSUMING MY FRIENDS' PROFILES ARE BILLBOARDS FOR ME AND MY MUSIC.
Influences
originality, innovation. musicians that don't sound like anyone else.
artists who are concerned with their art more than where they think their art should take them to.
like........
Matt Tonks, Dave Calandra, Lab 64, Peter Miller-Robinson, Chris Gillespie.
as well as all the artists I grew up listening to. Who inspired rather than influenced me....
Nick Drake, Tim Buckley,
Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley,
Bob Dylan, Michael Hedges,
Bert Jansch, Alex De Grassi,
George Winston,
John Martyn, Jimi Hendrix,
Led Zeppelin, Neil Young,
Crosby Stills Nash & Young,
Steeleye Span, Martin Carthy,
Andy Irvine, Melanie
Safka, Gillian Welch, Paul Brady,
Planxty, Sandy Denny,
Arvo Part, John McLaughlin,
Joe Pass, Django Reinhardt,
The Sundays, early Black Sabbath,
Deep Purple, Spirit,
Huddie Leadbelly, Minnie Riperton,
Billie Holliday, Bessie
Smith, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie,
Arlo Guthrie,
Steely Dan, Focus, Yes, Manitas De Plata,
Hildegard Von Bingen,
Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam,
Sound Garden,
Rage Against The Machine, Elliott Smith,
Pavlov's Dog, Thom Yorke, Radiohead,
Joanna Newsom, Satie, Hawkwind,
King Crimson, Duane Allman.....
so many more...
Singer/songwriter/guitarist michael-john azzopardi is a regular performer on the Sydney music scene. Stylistically he draws on alternate rock, blues folk (celtic & middle eastern) & jazz. Influences include Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, Bert Jansch, John Martyn, Jimi Hendrix & Led Zeppelin.
"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 werent 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 italso a hint at a remarkably multi layered artistic force.
Michael-John Azzopardi is not the sort of musician you can reasonably assume anything about. To see him kicking out the jams in a band context, you wouldnt believe he has touched an acoustic, or ever would. He throws out the chunkiest riffs ever to leave a quad box, interspersed with the kind of effortless guitar-strangling lead that would make any wouldbe virtuoso jealous.
Like the frenetic artwork on Rooms inlay book-his own original paintings and sketches-Azzopardi's compositions have characteristics reminiscent of an Escher print. The music contains millions of details arranged into an enigmatic pattern which seems to conflict with itself when observed up close, but is cohesive, satisfying and symmetrical when seen as a whole.
Yet Azzopardi's philosophy as a guitarist has nothing whatsoever to do with prioritising complexity above musical honesty.
despite his breathtaking skill and experience, this is not a guitarist to rest on his laurels...."
Guitarist Australia magazine issue 3 April/May 2005
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I've been listening to your songs on and off since you befriended me about a year and a half ago now. So time for a little feedback I'd say... --------------------------------------------------------- Your song "Here beneath the sun" has actually established itself as one of my favorite songs for the kind of mood it speaks to in me. And when i say favorite i'm not talking about "only" here on myspace. I'm putting that particular song up there with Tim Buckley's, Nick Drake's and other house gods of mine. I like the others as well, but i'm not gonna wright you a thesis. --------------------------------------------------------- If you're in the mood for new music i've posted a newly written (unpolished) demoed song up on my page recently. So feedback from the sounds you like is as you must now always appreciated.
I've been playing around with a few others for the past year, and struggling with a hurting hand. But have now turned my attention to moving forward alone. And plan to post more songs within the close future. So if you like it that is...
hey michael, how are things? got my music sorted on here, finally! ireland and music are good things. so are fairies. i've gone from your mass to real mass, just for the craic. hope all is well over there. hope to get myself to some aussie folk fests next year.
Hi Michael....just had to drop by and listen to your wonderful songs/music...i do hope you are fine and well as you read...your sound will always inspire me as i am sure many others too!! peace and love your friend Tim....and if you are ever in the UK we must meet up and share stories and songs.
Hello Michael, Long time eh? Been in Ireland and South Africa the last while. (See my blog) Looks as if you have your new album finished and out.Congratulations!! I haven't had chance yet but I will listen soon. Seems like there are a million things to do. I have been up half the night writing and the sun is up already. Cape Town has been an eye opener and a real inspiration. I agree with you by the way (although with my amount of friends I don't get bothered much ) about twats who just want to use your space as billboard advertising. My friends are friends and not just consumers!! If you want it would be really nice if you would message me your telephone number and I could give you a call one sleepless night in the middle of your morning. Whatja think? I hope your (judging by the gig list) busy life is what you want it to be and that you carry on bringing your stuff to the grateful ears of the listening world. Take care Michael and as always, SHINE xxx Alan
Listen closely as the gentle wind blows it sings songs of joy for you of sweet places where pure water flows it sings of mountains, trees and misty dew it sings a lonely sacred song as it whistles through the pines it sings to us and we must listen with our hearts, our souls, our minds may the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart. Have a beautiful day Michael
what a lovely way to spend an early Sunday morning....listening to the magical sounds of MJA~! there is no one on earth who can capture the sounds that you possess... it's always beautiful and peaceful, something we need in this world....sending lots of love from New York in the Springtime.... Peggy xoxox
Hey Michael That's great that you're performing at both the Nationals and St Albans!! How have you been? I'll have to come to another M.A.S.S soon. I went to Horsnby Folk on Friday night, mainly to see Collum Sands, but there was a guy there called Gilbert Whyte who was really great, and I think would fit in well at M.A.S.S. It's great to see that you're running a few workshops too! If you check your guitar in at Canberra you might see me, I'm working instrument lockup this festival All the best Mikaela
hey Michael, got me album launch for "Sam" this Sunday 15th at the Vanguard in Newtown if you're about and not otherwise gigging yourself, great if you could make it, if not I'll catch you at st albans, cheers
