Michael’s interest in piano styles developed throughout the 1970s when he became particularly fascinated by the music of the 1920s and 30s.

Music from the likes of James Moody and The TopHatters, Bill McGuffie, Jack Byfield, Max Jaffa and Reginald Kilbey  and other BBC musicians inspired him.

He worked at the piano solos of Billy Mayerl and Zez Confrey and studied the music of the period, collecting both sheet music and records of Ivor Moreton and Dave Kaye from that time. (He still does a good imitation of Charlie Kunz on a good day.)

The music of George Gershwin and Fats Waller also came to his notice as did that of Ivor Novello. He also collected records of Carroll Gibbons and Liberace.

The pianist who inspired Michael to fashion his own style more than any other was Alberto Semprini and Michael listened hard to any and all the broadcasts that he could by this versatile musical genius.

Later, Michael would come across music by George Shearing and Art Tatum which would further influence his own style.