22 Dec 2024
John Michaelz - One of his greatest efforts to date
05 Sep 2005 // A review 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. The Graham Clarkes, the Derek Jacombs, The Nigel Masters, the Grant Bullots and so on.
It was with these guys that Michaelz first launched his career here almost 20 years ago and like them, it’s hard to imagine what that local music scene would have been like without him.
He was one half of the extremely popular acoustic duo Big Garlic Moon and, of course, there were all those years with Hard to Handle. In a way, unfortunately, the band’s success — musically if not financially — was also mirrored by the lead singer’s excesses. Too much drink and too many drugs took their toll on Michaelz and his music.
These days he is sober and drug-free and has even rediscovered his faith. And these too have had a huge effect on the music he makes.
Vocally he is sounding better than ever. There’s that extraordinary velvety smoothness — like liquid chocolate — which is punctuated at times by a certain animal, raw quality. And of course, there’s the sheer power. On every track on his new album we are reminded of his ability to completely own a song.
More than ever, though, I think
Some Songs really highlights Michael’z as a gifted songwriter, a talent that has sometimes been all too easily overlooked. Whether on his own or working in collaboration with Derek Jacombs — with whom he has enjoyed a long and fruitful association — Michaelz delivers songs that offer everything from social commentary to hope, friendship and the perils of the mating game.
Adios (with Jacombs) remains, I believe, one of his greatest efforts to date musically and lyrically.
Is man born to be guilty?
Has security taken control?
Can you bury your past in a three-piece suit
And buy back the life that you sold”
and Have a drink, shake a hand save a whale
Forget about the unborn child
Dine in the company of strangers
And dance with the lost and defiled
And it certainly is a “treat” to have Burden Down (again with Jacombs) included on the album as a bonus track.
Musically, Some Songs really defies description because it isn’t just bluesy, it isn’t just soulful, and it isn’t just rock — it is all these things and more. As a result it gives an insight into Michael’z many musical influences and his own diverse range of talents. Awesome.
— Sharon Maxwell
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. The Graham Clarkes, the Derek Jacombs, The Nigel Masters, the Grant Bullots and so on.
It was with these guys that Michaelz first launched his career here almost 20 years ago and like them, it’s hard to imagine what that local music scene would have been like without him.
He was one half of the extremely popular acoustic duo Big Garlic Moon and, of course, there were all those years with Hard to Handle. In a way, unfortunately, the band’s success — musically if not financially — was also mirrored by the lead singer’s excesses. Too much drink and too many drugs took their toll on Michaelz and his music.
These days he is sober and drug-free and has even rediscovered his faith. And these too have had a huge effect on the music he makes.
Vocally he is sounding better than ever. There’s that extraordinary velvety smoothness — like liquid chocolate — which is punctuated at times by a certain animal, raw quality. And of course, there’s the sheer power. On every track on his new album we are reminded of his ability to completely own a song.
More than ever, though, I think
Some Songs really highlights Michael’z as a gifted songwriter, a talent that has sometimes been all too easily overlooked. Whether on his own or working in collaboration with Derek Jacombs — with whom he has enjoyed a long and fruitful association — Michaelz delivers songs that offer everything from social commentary to hope, friendship and the perils of the mating game.
Adios (with Jacombs) remains, I believe, one of his greatest efforts to date musically and lyrically.
Is man born to be guilty?
Has security taken control?
Can you bury your past in a three-piece suit
And buy back the life that you sold”
and Have a drink, shake a hand save a whale
Forget about the unborn child
Dine in the company of strangers
And dance with the lost and defiled
And it certainly is a “treat” to have Burden Down (again with Jacombs) included on the album as a bonus track.
Musically, Some Songs really defies description because it isn’t just bluesy, it isn’t just soulful, and it isn’t just rock — it is all these things and more. As a result it gives an insight into Michael’z many musical influences and his own diverse range of talents. Awesome.
— Sharon Maxwell
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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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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15 Jul 2005 // 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.
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