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
