Michael’s first solo guitar release is Solo (2006), a collection of Jazz covers and unique original pieces that explore the sonority of his instrument.
a classically trained player/composer and jazz guitarist of considerable skill and subtlety
Solo
TRACKLISTING
- Jordu
- Nature Boy
- Ancient Beauty
- Awen
- The Caspian
- Spain
- Close To You
- Gregoriana
- Inner Landscape
- All Blues
- Strange In Blue
Album Reviews
"Solo" is a distillation of his catholic philosophy. It's a record on which tastefully revamped jazz standards sit snugly beside original compositions informed by sources as diverse as classical Iranian song and passing airplanes.Michael's innate sense of spirituality is reflected in the raga-like 'Ancient Beauty'. Elsewhere, he goes decidedly earthy with a blues written for two old friends and bandmates. On Chick Corea's 'Spain', a personal favourite, the maestro skillfully unites three of his great loves - jazz, classical and flamenco. 'Nature Boy' and 'Close To You' you've probably heard a hundred times before, but not quite like this. Michael manages to imbue these timeless tunes with admirable freshness. Duke Jordan’s “Jordu” (best known as rendered by trumpeter Clifford Brown) translates surprisingly well to guitar - at least in Knopf's hands. But that's Michael's art, and that's why he rates so highly among Australian guitarists.