31 Dec 2024
John Michaelz - N.Z. MUSICIAN JUNE/JULY 2005
15 Jul 2005 // A review by jmichaelz
JOHN MICHAELZ: Some Songs
Back in the days when John Michaelz was lead singer for Tauranga’s Hard To Handle he was regarded by those-in-the-know as the true heir to Jim Morrison’s throne. Later, a slightly mellower Michaelz spent some time in the shorter-lived Auckland group Kosher. Now, with the release of this modestly titled first solo album he has found his own voice. With a little more gravel and a little more gravitas, Michaelz delivers an intriguing set of catchy originals (and two covers) that grow with repeated lis¬tening. A touch of Tex-Mex here (Adios), a bit of humour there (Girl In the Silver Dress, Jesus On A Couch, Battlefield of Sex), a nod to brother Bob (Small Axe) and some good songwriting add up to a deceptive album that only gradually reveals its serious intent. Like all those rough diamonds somewhere out there in McMurtry-Ely-Hiatt territory, Michaelz turns out to be an incurable romantic underneath it all. The stripped-down acoustic-driven backing, just enough to kick the songs along without getting in the way, comes courtesy of the usual gang of Tauranga musicians, plus a few ringers, centred on bassist Nigel Masters’ Boatshed Studio. Highly recommended, and available through
jmhanssen8@hot¬mail.com. • Bruce Morley
JOHN MICHAELZ: Some SongsBack in the days when John Michaelz was lead singer for Tauranga’s Hard To Handle he was regarded by those-in-the-know as the true heir to Jim Morrison’s throne. Later, a slightly mellower Michaelz spent some time in the shorter-lived Auckland group Kosher. Now, with the release of this modestly titled first solo album he has found his own voice. With a little more gravel and a little more gravitas, Michaelz delivers an intriguing set of catchy originals (and two covers) that grow with repeated lis¬tening. A touch of Tex-Mex here (Adios), a bit of humour there (Girl In the Silver Dress, Jesus On A Couch, Battlefield of Sex), a nod to brother Bob (Small Axe) and some good songwriting add up to a deceptive album that only gradually reveals its serious intent. Like all those rough diamonds somewhere out there in McMurtry-Ely-Hiatt territory, Michaelz turns out to be an incurable romantic underneath it all. The stripped-down acoustic-driven backing, just enough to kick the songs along without getting in the way, comes courtesy of the usual gang of Tauranga musicians, plus a few ringers, centred on bassist Nigel Masters’ Boatshed Studio. Highly recommended, and available through
jmhanssen8@hot¬mail.com. • Bruce Morley
About John Michaelz
Nominated for a New Zealand Tui Award in 2010 for his Gospel album, Walk On Water with ten albums to his credit and known for his high-octane stage performances, fronting rock bands Hard To Handle, The Stone Babies and Kosher, John Michaelz' latest work combines his love of Reggae and his prowess for writing a great song.
John's albums include fine contributions from the likes of Shona Laing, Rodger Fox, Ritchie Pickett, Gordon Joll (Herbs, Hello Sailor) Alan Norman, (The Warratahs, The Rag Poets) Liam Ryan (The Narcs) to mention a few. John has toured with Renee Geyer, American blues men Robert Penn and Junior Medlow.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for John Michaelz
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Other Reviews By jmichaelz
John Michaelz - One of his greatest efforts to date
05 Sep 2005 // by jmichaelz
JOHN MICHAELZ — SOME SONGS EARLIER this year Mills Reef hosted the celebrations that accompanied the launch of Some Songs, the latest album from John Michaelz — the one-time wild child who fronted the now almost legendary local band Hard to Handle. Many of those who gathered on the night represented, dare I say it, the “old guard” of the local music scene.
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John Michaelz - catchy lil' numbers
21 Jul 2005 // by jmichaelz
Reviewer: Kim J W John, his first 'solo' album, catchy tunes, John was playing 'Girl in the silver dress' one night, (happens to be my fav' on this album)and I heard an anonymous person say, "this is one of those songs that should be a hit.." He has a knack for melody, and a voice like gravelly chocolate, ya just know it's him...
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