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It's been 10 years since Michael Nitro released his first album.
Since then he's been the opening act for Bon Jovi, Neil Young, Alice
Cooper and The Allman Brothers. Obviously people who know see - and
especially hear - something in him. Now his second one, Counting The
Days, is out, and if he keeps releasing albums at the same pace as
he has been doing over the last decade we might be 10 years from now
before we hear something new from the man. An interview, before it's
too late...
So Michael, how long have you been in the music bizz?
Ah geez, it's been a good 25 years.The bizz has been pretty good to
me.
Tell me...
Well, you know, I started playing the regular grammar school then
high school dances and private parties. The motivation back then was
girls. The bands I had in the beginning were nothing to speak of.
Just a place to hone my chops.
Any recordings?
Oh yeah, back then I played on so much stuff I can't even remember
half of it. But that didn't start until I was about 17. But I
started playing long before that.
You mention a lot of influences in your bio...
Yeah, I
have all kinds of influences. I grew up in the early 70's and there
was so much cool music on the radio back then. I mean,
you could turn on the radio and be listening to something from
Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" like the song "I Wish"
and then the next songs would be "Black Dog" from Led Zeppelin. The
Jackson 5 had a musical cartoon on TV. So between all this stuff
going on at that time and my father listening to Ray Charles and my
mother listening to Elvis... it all rounded me out pretty good.
In what way do these various musicians influence your playing and
composing?
I didn't know it was having influences until after I listened to my
music and heard all those elements in there. Ya know, I don't
consciously try to sound like any of them but they definitely molded
the way I play and the way I write unconsciously.
Here I thought I was so original.
Well, in a sense you are, because Counting The Days is very
diverse...
Well, you see, if you listen to "Songs in the Key of Life" for
instance, or if you listen to The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's" or Led
Zeppelin's "Physical Graphitti" you'll see that being diverse in an
album, extremely diverse, isn't really all that new it's just that
nobody's doing it now. Today everybody makes records that have
pretty much the same sounds and the same feel throughout the record
and that's what it is but the thing about those old diverse records
is that you can keep going back to them and keep hearing something
new and the record never gets stale. That's kinda what I tried to
achieve here.
This is your second full length album, if I'm correct. Is your
earlier material as diverse as Counting The Days?
I think yes it is. Because when you're writing songs and not writing
to fit a radio format formula -- just writing songs -- you write
about things you're going through or feeling or seeing around you.
And that makes for diversity. I believe there was way more of that
in the 60's and the 70's than there is now. Music wasn't written as
much in the studio environment as it is now. It came mroe from a
human element. But hey, times change, we're in the computer age
right? I'll have to send you a copy of the first CD, maybe you'll
see what I mean.
That would be great, thank you. Something else now. You've been
opening for acts like Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Neil Young, The Allman
Brothers. Did that help you in any sense?
Oh yeah, hugely. When you're around pros and you're playing with
pros you have to step up to the plate and be a pro. In that
way it did help me. I mean having Alice Cooper in your living room
singing "School's Out" and directing your band was more like
"School's in, pay attention!" and I did and I learned alot of cool
shit. Excuse my language, Alice.
Do you think these people can get you on a higher level, not
as much musically but also in the sense of helping you out in the
studio or getting you in contact with label bosses?
Yeah, Alice opened a club and restaurant out here in Phoenix called
Alice Cooper'stown and he asked my band to be his band for the Grand
Opening night. So he came over and rehearsed with us and the next
night we went down there and played and the man's got alot of
friends. Dave Mustaine showed up and sang with us, Rockin Reggie was
there and all the surviving members of the original AC Band, Cosmo
from Credence Clearwater Revival and then Nils Lofgren got up on
stage and we had a killer guitar jam together. There's some video
footage at our website. Maybe I'll ask these people to help me out
with the next record, if in fact, the songs call for their personal
style.
I believe you met Dan Wexler as well?
Dan Wexler and I have been friends for almost 20 years now.
He's been playing with Alice Cooper after his Icon time. Have
you ever wanted to do something like that, playing and writing for
someone else?
I don't believe in having people on a record just to have their name
on it. I don't want to prostitute anybody for my benefit. I thought
Wexler's style would be perfect for "Rain" and it worked, he did a
great job, I love what he played. He's so cool.
I got that, but it wasn't exactly what I meant. I meant, would
you like to be in a band with a big name and writing for him? Or are
you just following your own plan?
Right now I'm doing some jamming with Sam Moore of Sam & Dave but as
far as writing with somebody... I'd like to write with Danny at some
point, we've talked about it but now we've just gotta find the time.
We're both so busy. I don't know, I really enjoy what I'm doing now
and I know it. Playing in a big band with somebody else, hmmm. I've
heard horror stories about being a hired gun, but then I've heard
some fairy tales also. If the opportunity ever came along I'd be
open to it depending on my schedule.
Well, if you speak to him tell him some guy in Holland thinks
his Night Of The Crime album is one of the best records ever made,
but that aside. You got a song called "Belgium" on your album. Just
out of curiousity, as that country is only a one hour's drive from
here, have you been there?
No, actually I didn't write that song. It was written by my bassist,
Gordon Circle. I arranged it for him and it came out so nicely that
we decided to put it on the album. That's also him singing lead on
it. I don't think you got the list of players that we sent out, but
there's alot of other genius players who helped me on this record.
He was in Belgium when he wrote that song.
No, actually I don't have the list of players... I thought the
voice on the song was different, but wasn't sure. I was just gonna
ask about Gordon, as he's mentioned on your website as well. Are you
two like a writing team?
No, he's been my bassist now for 5 years. We've been friends for
about 20. But that's the first song we've even somewhat
collaborated on. My part just having a hand in the arranging of it.
The players on the album are Fred Macarone, who played drums and Joe
Longo who played bass on everything except Hell's Train and Belgium.
Walter White played lead guitar on Little Secrets, Sean Cooney
played lead guitar on Jennifer and Shawn D. Johnson played keyboards
on Get A Life, Little Secrets, Counting The Days and Distant Shore.
Just to set the record straight.
Thanks... So how's the album doing? Are you looking for a
label to release it, have labels showed interest?
The album is doing good locally. Even without any airplay -- the
local stations here do nothing to promote local bands except for
a Sunday night spot at 11pm. Yes, I'm currently looking for a label
to release it. I think it would be a blast to be on a major label. A
major label couldn't have a band that liked to work more. We play as
much as possible and we don't complain about it, we love to jam. We
live to jam. Music is everything.
Well, I think Counting The Days could be released on a major
label, as it's not specifically focused on the AOR or Melodic Rock
audience. On the other hand, when you're on a small label, you're
not a number...
True, but when you're on a major label you got the bank to get you
where you gotta go so long as you're smart and don't waste
it. You know, tour support, etcetera. So you don't have to travel
the country with 10 guys in a minivan.
What would you change if you had a major budget?
I'd be open to any good ideas. I'd like to have opportunity to use
better quality studios. I'm sure there's a whole bunch of stuff
that comes along with a major budget that, to tell you the truth, I
don't even know about.
You mentioned a new album a few minutes back. Do you have some
stuff ready? If so, what does it sound like?
I've been listening to alot of Little Richard lately and Jerry Lee
Lewis and liking the sound of that old 50's piano rock and roll kind
of stuff. I think that would just sound great with a screaming
guitar and the piano still kicking ass in the back. But I've been
writing some new stuff in that vain.
Oh yeah, that's right, you seem to be always digging deeper
and deeper into the roots of your roots... How far are you planning
to go?
As far as that human element in music will take me. As long as
there's music out there somewhere. I'm always finding music that
makes me feel stuff. I think it's good to have a song to relate your
emotions to. Not just lyrically, but musically also. I don't think
there's too much of that anymore with drum machines and computers
and digital keyboards. There's nothing like real drums, acoustic
pianos, tube amplifiers, godzilla bass sounds ... they just have an
irreplaceable sound of their own. There's always new audiences that
haven't heard that music. And there's so much that just couldn't
transcend the racial barrier that went undiscovered.
I couldn't agree more. So Michael, we're heading towards the
end of the interview where you can tell the readers anything you'd
like to.
Come visit us at michaelnitro.com, leave us your comments on the
record. If you don't have the record you can get it there. Drop
me an email, I personally write back to everybody. We have an Online
Chat on Monday nights that I try to make when time allows. And now
this is what I'd like to tell the readers: Take care of each other,
be good to each other, look out for one another, music is
everything. And God bless.
I think that's a nice conclusion, Michael. It was really nice
talking to you, wish I could stay a little longer but I'm already
late.
Thanks Fred, feel free to stay in touch. If you're ever in the
States, I got room for you here. We'll sit out by the pool and drink
beers.
Sounds good, I'll keep you to that!
-- Fred Monster
Electric Basement
MICHAEL NITRO
9/9/00 By Brian Coles
Michael Nitro is a veteran session musician and wide-eyed rocker who has
garnered increased critical acclaim with each release. His latest, Counting the
Days, is a much more mature album than some of his hard rock efforts. And it is
also, arguably, his best work to date. The record, issued by Seymour Records,
calls upon several timeless popular music styles, including hard rock, roots
rock, soul and a bit of folk. So naturally, Michael was a fascinating interview
...
BRIAN COLES: Congrats on your new album.
It's really good. I have read some amazing reviews. Did you have any idea you'd
get so much good press being that you're on an indie label?
MICHAEL NITRO: You never know what people
are going to think so I just never really thought about it before hand, but yea,
I was kinda surprised to find there are still a lot of people who like their
rock and roll served up with a little blues,
funk and soul.
BC: The new album is very roots rock
focused, unlike some of your other stuff like "I Need All Your Love Tonight"
which is more flat out hard rock. Why did you go this route this time around?
MN: I don't think I did it consciously - the
songs just came to me the way they did through what I was feeling or what I saw
somebody else going through or whatever my imagination was doing at the time.
BC: I must say your voice is put to really
good use on the new album. The laid back feel of the album really showcases your
vocal nuances and down to earth qualities. Did you find yourself discovering new
elements of your delivery?
MN: Thank you. I'd been playing live quite a
bit and every night I discovered something new. Playing the songs live for a
time before I commit them to CD is a great developing process for me sometimes.
BC: "I'm Ready" is such a powerful, fun
track. It actually has some of that Sam and Dave brass goin'. This is also found
on a few other tunes. Where'd that influence come from?
MN: Ya know that's funny you should say Sam
and Dave. I was just hangin' with Sam the other night - man what a talented guy!
That guy still sings awesome! I guess I was influenced by Sam & Dave. I love
that song "Come On, Come Over" on Jaco's first solo recording; it's one of my
favorites. I don't think about who influences me I just play, but I guess a lot
of people have been a part of my development.
BC: "Counting the Days" is quite folksy.
Reminds me of something Norman Greenbaum would of done circa '69. In fact, much
of this album has a retro/timeless vibe. Is it just a matter of letting down
your guard and doing what comes natural to you and your influences?
MN: I just tried to make a CD that I would
be able to listen to over and over again without saying to myself "I should have
added this," or "how am I gonna reproduce that." I think this CD has a very
human element. The music is easy to digest and the lyrics are about real
feelings that we have all felt at one point or another in our lives and I've
always thought it was cool to have a song to relate to.
BC: The album has quite a few styles going
on - soul, folk, roots rock, hard rock - yet somehow it all ties together well.
Was that a challenge you had to face when recording the album?
MN: The only challenge was making it sound
authentic. For example, when we were working on "Distant Shore" I wanted it to
be driven with conviction. "Get a Life" had to make you get out of your chair
and shake your groove thang. "Little Secrets" needed to give you that smoky bar
room feel. We had to be a band of chameleons but it went real smooth and it
wasn't really a challenge at all it was a good time actually.
BC: Your favorite album, I understand, is
Presence by Zeppelin. That's a unique choice considering the amazing Zep
catalogue. What is it about this album that struck such a chord with you?
MN: My favorite Led Zeppelin album changes
everyday. I like them all and for different reasons they were such a great band.
Presence sounds like such a rainy day recording to me full of dark emotion and I
like the drum sounds on that recording the best. Zeppelin 2 is my favorite
guitar recording - best guitar tones I ever heard.
BC: I noticed your guitar playing tends
toward memorable, elemental riffs and licks, such as on "Road of Love". Do you
find simplicity a more convincing tool than overindulgence, as AC/DC does for
example?
MN: I don't know if it's more convincing or
not, but it's the sound I like best.
BC: Do you ever feel perturbed or threatened
by the "technology" based pop music out there like the boy bands or industrial
bands etc? It seems real rock is fighting harder than ever to eek out from the
cracks. Or is there a resurgence on the horizon?
MN: No, I don't feel threatened. That's just
what they do and if they are happy doin' it -whatever floats your boat. But it's
the industry that over saturates us with it; jams it down our throats. I mean,
there has always been boy bands - remember the Osmond Brothers ... the Jackson
Five? They were boy bands and there were a few more but we still had variety
then. Not the case now. Resurgence? Well, I think the world has a lack of people
learning the actual art of playing acoustic drums so I don't think drum machines
will be threatened for a while.
BC: I imagine your music would have a wide
appeal. What kind of crowds do you attract? I mean, what's gender and age group
etc.?
MN: Wide appeal is an understatement - all
genders, all ages, the rich, the poor - they all come. I've seen it all.
BC: What direction will your next album be
in? Hard rock? Roots rock?
MN: All I can tell ya for sure is I won't be
using a drum machine!
BC: Where can fans find out more info about
you on the net
MN: Anything you ever wanted to know about
us is at
www.michaelnitro.com. I believe
there's some footage of Alice Cooper singing with us at the grand opening of
Alice Cooperstown that just went up that would be worth taking a look at. You
can write us all there and we answer all the email personally - it may take a
while but we get to it all eventually. We do online chats and you can always
find out where we're gonna be playing.
BC: Thanks Michael! And good luck to ya!
MN: God Bless.
Detritus
MICHAEL NITRO - COUNTING THE DAYS (B-) Seymour
Records, 1999
September 2000
12 tracks, RT: 48:17
Completing this issue's Michael Trifecta, COUNTING THE DAYS is a
pretty diverse release from singer/songwriter/guitarist Michael
Nitro. (Ya think that's his real name?) His bio says he plays out
quite a bit and is popular in the Phoenix, AZ, area, but it also
says he spent a lot of time as a session guy and this definitely
shows. You got your funk ("Get A Life"), you got your grunge-lite
("Psychotic Plans"), you got your acoustic ballad ("Catalina Song"),
etc. Sure sounds like Mr. Nitro has worked with a myriad of other
artists, and he's trying to show off all facets of his musical
personality here. In general, though, he seems to be most interested
in straightforward hard rock laced with acoustic guitar and funk 'n'
blues; there's definitely some Extreme in "I'm Ready," and "Distant
Shore," "Little Secrets," and "Hell's Train" are fairly well
drenched in the blues. The pop sensibilities are on display, too:
"Jennifer" and "Rain" are acoustic-based, organic rockers that
conjure up memories of Rod Stewart or Jim Croce, and the
just-plain-goofy title track is a nod to the Beatles, but it's so
catchy and silly it should be on "Sesame Street." It's hard to pin
down Nitro's voice, but if I had to compare I'd say he kinda most
resembles Ted Poley (Danger Danger/Bone Machine). COUNTING THE DAYS
is a pleasant diversion.
-- Tim
More Than
Music Magazine
MICHAEL NITRO, Counting the Days (Seymour
Records)
Summer 2000, Issue 17 Fifth Anniversary Issue
An interesting album, a nice amaigation of blues rock and funky
rock. This is pretty much Michael Nitro's project, but vocally it is
pretty good and the horns add nice touches to the roots rock.
Catchy Hooks
Webzine - Sweden
MICHAEL NITRO, Counting the Days (© 1999
Seymour Records)
Reviews.13
August 2000
Let me start this one with a quick listing. According to the
biography the management sent me with Michael Nitro's CD, he opened
up for "Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Eddie Money, The Allman Brothers,
Neil Young, REO Speedwagon, Deep Purple, Bonham", etc.Pretty
impressive, I'd say. As for his influences he lists The Beatles, The
Stones, Lep Zep,Ray
Charles,Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five", etc. This starts getting
interesting.
Fortunately, the music is not as eclectic as the influences. It's
pure, old, bluesy rock music with a bit of R&B (sometimes even
funky!) touches. "Distant Shore" the opening has a definitely funky
vibe in it, so do "Get A Life" (track 3) and "I'm Ready" (track 4).
Both of them feature very well written horn section that strengthens
the funky feel. Though the info in the promo materials is very
limited (absolutely no info on the musicians) I'm quite sure those
horns are real and not some synth sampler (or in case it is it's
damn good and I wanna have something like gear this too! Not that
I'd say no to having an own horn section.
The guitar parts are awesome and very diverse all through the
album.Mostly they are blues based rock licks with some funky feel,
but there's some bluegrass, country feel here and there too and
"Catalonia Song" is an awesome piece of acoustic guitar
playing.Michael's vocals are confident, perfect in all the heights
and have that "so necessary bluesy smoke". The lyrics are also very
entertaining and diverse. "Get A Life", "Distant Shore" and "Hell's
Train" (a Cinderella kind of rocker with grungy guitar sound) are my
favorites. If you are looking for an album of diverse feelings,
moods, and musical approach that does not get boring after 10 spins,
this one is for you! / Bandi
The Rep
Entertainment Guide
Michael Nitro, Counting the Days (© 1999 Seymour Records)
March 2, 2000 - Eric Searleman
Listen to a RealAudio clip
So what if it sounds like Michael Nitro spends his weekends
listening to scratchy old Humble Pie and Faces records. There's
nothing wrong with that. It merely proves how timeless those
30-year-old slabs of hard-rocking soul really are.
Nitro is a man who doesn't chase trends, that's for sure. He's a
guitarist and, as such, loves to crank it up. But he's also aware of
the big picture. Along with his heavy riffs, he distills a little
bit of Brother Ray and Little Stevie into his songs. The results are
high-powered, unarguably derivative and wholely enjoyable.
This is Nitro's album, but there's a sense of selflessness about the
project. His ego's not so big that he can't let another guitarist
take a solo. He's also receptive to sweaty horn arrangements, funky
retro keyboard fills and soulful female backing vocals.
If he wanted to, Nitro could probably clutter up the stage with big
stacks of amplifiers and blast everyone back to the Stone Age. But,
thankfully, he's not interested in that. And neither is anyone else,
right?
Catchy Hooks
Webzine - Sweden
Michael Nitro, Counting the Days (© 1999
Seymour Records/Epilogue Entertainment)
February 28, 2000 - ArizonaMusicScene.com, Derrick Bostrom
Despite what you may have heard, people still want to rock out
the way they always have. Set aside for a moment new sounds, new
styles, new technologies, new centuries. There are plenty of folks
around who just want to come home, loosen their belts, open up a
cold one and boogie to some tasty riffs and intense licks. And as
long as Michael Nitro's around, they've got nothing to worry about.
Sure, he's got a web site; he even holds a regular Monday night chat
with fans on the internet. But his true home isn't in cyber-space,
it's on stage, jamming with the likes of Alice Cooper and REO
Speedwagon.
Although he's a 20-year veteran of the Phoenix nightclub scene,
"Counting the Days" is only Michael Nitro's second album, and his
first since 1991's "Winning". Consequently, the new album explodes
with a decade's worth of creative energy, offering an eclectic mix
of styles popular with the concert crowd. Michael Nitro's sound
hearkens back to the mid-Eighties heyday of such pop-driven hard
rockers as Bon Jovi, Def Lepard and Billy Squire. The up tempo songs
prance and preen and the slow songs are lush power ballads. Nitro
rounds out the package with a little funk ("Get A Life," "I'm
Ready"), a little blues ("Little Secrets"), a little good-old-time
rock and roll ("Counting the Days"), and a dash of apocalyptic
grunge for good measure ("Psychotic Plans"). Most of the songs on
the album deal with typical rocker concerns: partying ("Belgium"),
women ("Jennifer"), feeling free ("Catalina Song") and, conversely,
selling your soul for rock and roll ("Distant Shore"). The album
ends on a high note with the anthemic "Rain," which features an
athletic workout with longtime Phoenix rocker Dan Wexler on guitar.
Nitro serves up his material with a good-natured showmanship,
displaying ample musical virtuosity but never going overboard in the
flash department. In fact, what stands out the most about this album
is its excellent sound. Far from being over-produced, the album
achieves a perfect balance of friendly, home-spun intimacy and
powerful crunch. Despite the wide range of styles offered, nothing
sounds forced or artificial. Credit must be given to Nitro and his
band, who know their way around a recording studio as well as they
know their way around a concert stage. Unlike so many self-produced
albums, "Counting the Days" never comes off as cheap or unfocused.
Unfortunately, similar praise cannot always be reserved for some of
Nitro's lyrical choices. Too often, he avails himself of imagery
considered cliche generations ago, displaying the kind of offhand
macho insensitivity that hasn't worn well with age. The two-song
funk medley "Get a Life" and "I'm Ready" reveals this tendency most
glaringly, describing an almost misogynistic view of serial
monogamy. Elsewhere, the songs are peppered with casual references
to unrepentant infidelity and sexual usury that may leave a sour
taste in the mouths of some listeners.
But these kind of lapses tend to be the exception rather than the
rule. Besides, nothing here is meant to be taken quite so seriously.
On the whole, "Counting The Days" succeeds masterfully at fulfilling
its promise to be a fun, kick-ass party record. As the ad says: less
filling, never bitter.
Catchy Hooks
Webzine - Sweden
MICHAEL NITRO, Counting the Days (© 1999
Seymour Records/Epilogue Entertainment)
Reviews.15
1.Distant shore 2.Counting the days 3.Get a life 4.I´m ready
5.Catalina song 6.Little secrets 7.Hell´s train 8.Belgium 9.Road of
love 10.Psychotic plans 11.Jennifer 12.Rain (SEYMOUR RECORDS /
INDEPENDENT)
The New Jersey native MICHAEL NITRO is a well known name in the
Blues/Hardrock scene in the Valley/Arizona.He often gets a call when
concert promoters look for a warm up act and he has been opening for
bands such as "REO Speedwagon, Alice Cooper, The Allman Brothers &
Deep Purple"
This is much more a Blues album than Hardrock and it´s maybe not for
all AOR fans out there. No it´s rather a good CD for fans of "Black
Crowes,Gary Moore (the blues albums) and old time R&B" In fact some
of NITRO´s biggest influences are Ray Charles/Stevie Wonder and the
whole Motown scene.
We can to my big surprise hear a well known guitarist in the melodic
scene on the song "Rain" DAN WEXLER (ex.ICON) plays some lead guitar
and a couple of killer solos. Opener "Distant Shore" is a great
midtempo rocker in the same kind of style as "Black Crowes." Some
really cool guitar work from NITRO and a groove not far from the old
classic "Hard to handle" that Black Crowes did a cover of. "Get a
life" is a funky blues track a-la Blues Brothers with a horn section
and everything! I can also hear some influences from Stevie Wonder
in the early 70´s. "Little secrets" is a slow blues with a "crying"
guitar while "Hell´s Train" is the best song on this CD! This song
really kicks a##! If you like R&B check him out at
www.michaelnitro.com if you´re only into AOR/Melodic
Hardrock...don´t :-)
Street Beat
Michael Nitro, Counting the Days (© 1999 Seymour Records/Epilogue
Entertainment)
January 2000 - Bill Ribas
Hearing the Joe Walsh riff of the first track leaves no doubt to the
style of music found on this CD from Michael Nitro, a Phoenix-based
guitar player. And that's plain and simple rock and roll. Almost.
Don't yank the disc from the player too quickly, because there's a
good mix of R&B here as well. Sure, Nitro can fire off some ripping
good solos when needed (though some get buried in the mix), but hey,
there's a horn section on tracks like I'm Ready, and Get a Life.
Nitro, who has opened in the past for monoliths like Deep Purple and
Bon Jovi, shows his sensitive side as well with the quieter ballads
like Catalina Song. ... overall a solid effort.
Fast Lane
Michael Nitro, Jersey/Lighthouse (© 1996 Seymour Records)
Feb. 20, 1997, by Phoenix Regalton-Romero
Well, I finally got my copy of Michael Nitro's new cassingle,
that I mentioned at the end of 1996. The tape features Lighthouse
and Jersey at Midnight (my favorite of the two). Lighthouse, was a
little busy musically, not so guitar oriented, as we have come to
expect from Michael. However, when the guitar solo came it was
explosive, also what we have come to expect. I think this song
reflects Michael's growth as a musician and performer. Jersey at
Midnight is a "very original Michael Nitro style" of song. What his
fans love him best for ... That rock guitar, seasoned with blues
sound. This tape will make a great addition to any collection. I
jumped on the "Band Wagon" to support Michael about eight years ago.
He is an incredibly gifted musician/songwriter and composes some of
the finest music I've ever enjoyed. You can also enjoy some live
performances coming your way. For more information call The Michael
Nitro Group Hotline (602) 591-8077.
Music Voice
Michael Nitro, Jersey/Lighthouse (© 1996 Seymour Records)
1997, Demo Demon, J.J. Terre
The first victim to scrutiny this issue is valley veteran Michael
Nitro, and this is not a demo, it's a pre-release cassete, aka
advance cassette, representing an upcoming full release. I don't
have a date on the release, but Michael promises, "you'll be one of
the first to get it." In the meantime, we'll just have to give you
all a little sneak preview.
There are two songs contained herein, Lighthouse and Jersey at
Midnight. What is it with these Jersey guys anyway? Lighthouse, the
a-side, is an upbeat rocker that captures the essence of Nitro, a
big-time lover of rock and roll-blues. This track finds Nitro and
the new posse in fine spirits and doing what they do best -- rock.
The song is excellently written and performed, and contains a very
cool solo by Nitro. Nice guitar layering, along with solid bass and
drum grooves bring the tune home. Good as any national doing similar
styles. Song two is a slower paced, moodier penning, with enough
melody, harmonies and pop stylings to fit right into the nineties
nicely. All in all, this teaser works. I want more. Excellent sound
captured at Tempe's Phase Four Studios. Contact: 591-8077.
Music
Voice
Oct 23, 1997, Alive n Kickin' Concert Reviews
After a set by Native Blood, a local metal-type outfit that fits
in well at the Jar, the Michael Nitro Group came on the stage. The
crowd definitely dug this band's blend of classic rock and blues
riffs, which they performed with a lot of good-natured energy. The
Nitro group mixed good playing, steady pacing, chatter with the
crowd, and the right amount of self-promotion to entertain most
everyone in the place. Nitro's guitar work brought to mind Jake E.
Lee.
Sometimes Nitro and Co's sound lapsed into a sort of late 80s rock
style, but they pulled out of it on the strength of their own good
playing. While the lyrics are not incredibly creative, most people
can relate to The Boys Are Back In Town lyrical style used on songs
like Jersey at Midnight. The band sounded good the whole show, but
some of their most entertaining stuff came toward the end, starting
with Counting the Days, a catchy number Nitro called "as close to
country as I'll ever get." The actual show closer was a fine cover
of Honkeytonk Women. The background singing was just right, but a
little too soft. By the time the last cries from those barroom
honkeytonk beauties faded out, the Nitro group left Tony MacAlpine
with a show that would take some work to top.
It turned out to be a good night of music at the Jar. Anyone who had
a powerful hankering for some good guitar music before the show, had
to have left thouroughly satisfied. MacAlpine is a major talent, but
by the time you read this you'll probably have a better chance of
catching Michael Nitro live. I'd recommend it.
Rock Today!
1992, OnDaRecord, Local Releases
Michael Nitro, Winning (© 1992 Seymour Records)
Long time Arizona favorite Michael Nitro steps our in style with
the full color, quality produced, 15 song cd-- something most local
artists are unable to do. In it you'll find all your favorite Nitro
tunes such as I Need All Your Love Tonight, Women Are Crazy, It's
Getting Colder, Send Me An Angel and so on, as forementioned, 15
songs total. Anyone not familiar with Nitro has wither been in a
coma or just arrived in town. All those of you who are, can now get
your fill even when you stay at home. The only thing I see missing
from this endeavor is some promotion. Available at most record
stores.
Phoenix
New Times
November 25, 1992
Michael Nitro, Winning (© 1992 Seymour Records)
New Jersey transplant Michael Nitro has built a musical career
here quicker than most newcomers do. The biggest factor is that
Nitro was noticed by Danny Zelisko, owner of Evening Star
Productions, who signed Nitro to a management deal. Through that
connection, Nitro has gained invaluable experience opening for a
slew of national acts. It's the kind of seasoning no amount of club
gigging can provide. But that edge doesn't take anything away from
the fact that Nitro wrote everything on this 15-cut CD. Working in a
Bad Company Jersey-rock vein, Nitro has concocted an appealing,
pop/hard-rock disc. The high points vary, from the bluesy Winning,
and the power ballad Memories to the more rockin' tempo of You Got
What I Like. Throughout, Nitro's voice is the strongest part of the
mix. And his band-- Sean Cooney, Steve Helm, and Freddie Macarone--
provide solid support.
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