Discover Music by Michael

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Commencer Encore | 2013

Commencer Encore is French - translated it means,"Start Again". This  record is a triumphant return to Michael's rock and roll roots and  highlights his mature and contemporary songwriting, as well as his artistry as a guitarist and singer. Searing lead guitar runs and elegant acoustic guitars feature here, as well as Michael's very first  piano tracks, particularly on "No More Goodbyes"; a beautiful and haunting instrumental, dedicated to his son, Eric,  that  features Michael's ability on piano, electric and acoustic guitars. As  with all of Michael's songs and albums, this one holds deeply personal meaning in many of the tracks, with perhaps the  most inspiring of these being, "Her Name"; calling on an anonymous hope  for the future. Commencer Encore is undoubtedly Michael and the band's finest hour.

After the Storm | 2011
After the Storm is Michael's 2003 follow up to Chasing The Sun, which  released to amazing support. The title track is a reminder that we can  survive the most difficult and challenging times and still emerge stronger and better. After the Storm rocks from the opening bar  and delivers a punch to the last note of Michael's lead guitar at the  end. Hand in Hand, written for Michael's son, is a fun and catchy instrumental, featuring an electric oboe. in a wonderful harmony  duet at the end of the song with Michael's lead guitar. Hawaiian Rain is  a piece about redemption and healing, while Lost and Found's emotion centers around the realization of coming to the end of a  road. Recording took longer than anticipated and the record was  completed and released in 2011. 

Chasing the Sun | 2002
Chasing the Sun is a chronicle of Michael's significant life transitions of the time, and experiences in the new millennium. These songs are the result of  Michael's rebirth and resurrection as a musician and songwriter and have a more mature and contemporary flavour. The title  track is a declaration of independence and a mantra inviting us to Carpe  Diem. Each piece in this project has a deep meaning for him and expresses joy and heartache from one track to another. It is  about rebirth, hope, anticipation, love, heartbreak and repair. 

Here at Last  |  2000    (No longer in print)

This disc is a compilation of recordings done over an extended period  of time. Beginning in 1980, Michael was the front man for a band called  "Topaz" that was recording tracks at Capitol Records. Many songs are from that era and others were done many years later with different band members and a different life to inspire them. This is a project that evolved and became an idea over a decade. The title "Here At Last" describes the spirit of finally getting this  music in a compiled recording. It also represents  Michael's rebirth as a musician and lyricist and of finding the music once again. As a mountain climber and a songwriter, the image and title were more than  appropriate - they were core.