New York, NY (Top40 Charts) This stunning reworking of the Billy Joel classic has been hailed by many as better than the original. Stripped back to it's barest form, slowed down and string laden this musical and lyrical masterpiece takes on a whole new perspective, and is a favourite with fans at his live shows. Taken from the highly acclaimed debut album 'Michael Armstrong' the release coincides with his mammoth UK tour as special guest to the legendary Leo Sayer.
Michael credits Billy Joel as one of his main musical inspirations and considers him as the man who taught him to play the piano……during rugby lessons at school!
"My school was rugby obsessed. I'm a huge sports fan, but only as a spectator. When it comes to actually participating forget it. I don't like being cold, muddy and wet and I certainly don't want to get hurt by a bunch of angry looking guys! Thankfully my teachers soon realised I wasn't cut out for the game and allowed me to spend my time in the music room and that's where I taught myself to play the piano….by listening to Billy Joel songs."
- Michael
Michael's beautiful version, and passionate vocal delivery, really accentuates the harrowing tale behind this song. Factory workers in the North East of America, losing their jobs and homes and facing the unemployment line. A story that is just as relevant today here in the UK, as it was in the 1980's when Joel composed it.
"Quite simply this is the best album I have heard in years. Having heard a couple of tracks before release (Paler Shade of Blue & Radio Years) which I became addicted to, with the tune and key lyrics rattling around my head long after the stereo was turned off, I was interested to see if there were a couple more gems on the album. Since buying it no other CD has had a look in and I'm struggling to find a below excellent track here."
- Amazon Album Review
The debut album 'Michael Armstrong' has been gaining plaudits and airplay across the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. Co-produced by music maestro Keith Bessey (Elton John, 10cc, Cliff Richard, The Ramones) the album includes guest appearances by many guitar legends including the iconic Albert Lee, Steely Dan's premier guitarist Elliott Randall, and Phil Palmer (Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams).
"It's soft rock at its nearly best and you'll constantly be reminded of 70's acts such as Billy Joel, 10CC, Jackson Browne, Wings, Leo Sayer, Elton John, etc. A vintage sound from the exiting new U.K. musician.. It's piano rock from a storyteller's point of view and Michael's lyrical wit and honesty lift these tunes onto a level rarely heard in the digital era. No worries mate. There's of course the CD release as they did send me a disc."
- Rock Unlimited Album Review
Michael is touring the album extensively and as well as his own dates, he will be appearing across the UK supporting, The Hollies Peter Howarth, Leo Sayer and Vonda Shepard, between now and the end of the year.
UK TOUR DATES 2015
Solo and special guest performances
Wednesday 22nd July 2015 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) -CHEQUER MEAD, EAST GRINSTEAD
Friday, 24th July, 2015 - (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - THE PHEASANTRY, LONDON
Wednesday, 29th July, 2015 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - THE CELLARS, EASTNEY
Saturday, 22nd August (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - PIZZA EXPRESS, MAIDSTONE
Wednesday 9th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - BIRMINGHAM JAM HOUSE Thursday 10th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - MANCHESTER LOWRY
Friday 11th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - WORTHING ASSEMBLY HALL
Saturday 12th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - EAST GRINSTEAD MEAD THEATRE
Monday 14th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - LANCASTER GRAND THEATRE
Tuesday 15th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - HUNSTANTON PRINCESS THEATRE Thursday 17th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - NORWICH ST ANDREWS HALL
Friday 18th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - BUXTON OPERA HOUSE
Saturday 19th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - MUSSELBURGH BRUNTON
Sunday 20th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - GLENROTHES ROTHES HALL
Tuesday 22nd September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - LEEDS CITY VARIETIES
Wednesday 23rd September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - PORTHCAWL GRAND PAVILLION
Friday 25th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - LONDON HIPPODROME
Saturday 26th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - HARLOW PLAYHOUSE
Sunday 27th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - MILTON KEYNES STABLES
Tuesday 29th September 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - DURHAM GALA THEATRE Thursday 1st October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - ISLE OF WIGHT SHANKLIN THEATRE
Friday 2nd October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - SOUTHAMPTON CONCORDE
Saturday 3rd October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - WIMBORNE TIVOLI THEATRE
Sunday 4th October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - BURY ST EDMUNDS APEX
Tuesday 6th October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - LONDON HIPPODROME Thursday 8th October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - WOLVERHAMPTON ROBIN 2
Friday, 9th October, 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - BEWDLEY FESTIVAL
Saturday 10th October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - HOLMFIRTH PICTUREDOME
Sunday 11th October 2015 (With Leo Sayer) - WARRINGTON PYRAMID & PARR HALL
Friday 16th October 2015 (With Vonda Shepard) - MAIDSTONE, PIZZA EXPRESS
Saturday, 17th October 2015 (Solo) - EPSOM PLAYHOUSE, EPSOM, SURREY Thursday 22nd October 2015 (With Vonda Shepard) - MILTON KEYNES STABLES
Saturday 24th October 2015 (With Vonda Shepard) - SHOREHAM, ROPETACKLE CENTRE
Sunday 25th October 2015 (With Vonda Shepard) - LONDON, THE PHEASANTRY
UK TOUR DATES 2016
Solo and special guest performances
Saturday, 19th March, 2016 (Solo/headline) - THE DUGDALE CENTRE, ENFIELD
Wednesday 1st June 2016 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
Sunday 5th June 2016 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - CHELTENHAM TITHE BARN
Tuesday 7th June 2016 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - MARLOWE THEATRE, CANTERBURY
Friday 10th June 2016 (Peter Howarth Unplugged) - CHAPEL ARTS CENTRTE, BATH
