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.
