About:

Named after the Fairport Convention song, Crazy Man Michael takes such classic English narrative songwriting as a touchstone and adds a literate, romantic edge that encompasses folk traditions from Bert Jansch to Iron & Wine.

Using almost entirely acoustic instrumentation, 'The Green Light' loosely takes F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' as its emotional inspiration. The 9 songs collected here bring to mind the passion of 1960s folk clubs, the joy and hurt of relationships and the paradoxes inherent in living and loving. It is intelligent, subtly yet openly political and unafraid to be emotionally raw; searching, sensitive, weather-beaten but always hopeful. In short, a very special record.

Press for the Green Light:

ROCKSOUND
“Perfect for a spot of festive cabin fever, winter worry or just watching the weather go by the window. Wonderful. 8/10.”

CLASH
“[An] ambitious debut, the sound here harks back to the 60s folk clubs and the future greats who played there. This is a diverse showcase for Crazy Man Michael and today’s vibrant folk tradition.”

BIG ISSUE
“A timeless folk sound… inspired by the cursed romanticism of a Bronte novel.”

BBC MANCHESTER
“Reassuringly aged and vibrantly fresh.”

ROCK'N'REEL
"Delightful. Bert Jansch is a touchstone here, but the gentle sadness of the storytelling is perhaps closest to the young Al Stewart, whose vocal style is also recalled."

MANCHESTER MUSIC
“A classic rendition of the growing movement of edgy folk... the very best in dark, compassionate acoustic... this is like a trip to the countryside, without any cars, civilisation or modern disturbances. For once this seems like a real record that's natural, calming and full of mesmerising moments of clarity.”

AMERICANA UK
“This is modern folk, full of extraordinary complex harmonies and creatively clever string arrangements which reveals a luminous musical intelligence.”

TERRASCOPE
“Excellent... a vibrant collection that defies its almost completely acoustic instrumentation to crackle with natural electricity.”

SONIC DICE
“A gentle record that, especially at this time of year, will warm your heart. For Fans Of: Patrick Wolf, The Decemberists, Nick Drake.”