Michael Zapruder

"Every sound and word is thoughtfully placed, every dynamic shift is carried out with precision, every sentence (both verbal and musical) is phrased significantly... Michael Zapruder is working firmly embedded in the auteurial model of composition and arrangement, and he is a brilliant director." - Said the Gramophone

I’ve fallen in love with New Ways of Letting Go. It’s gorgeous, uplifting, well-wrought, and magical. Spend your money on this. You won’t be disappointed. - Delusions of Adequacy

"...a damned fine singer-songwriter (and guitarist and pianist) from San Fran, Zapruder's little song-nuggets evoke Rufus Wainwright and newer Elvis Costello." - Village Voice

In the New Chamber Folk, arrangements are key, separating poet-composers from lonesome coffeehouse troubadours. Zapruder understands this and has built a house of many colors, utilizing cornets, accordions, cellos and violins. As one of the inheritors of Leonard Cohen's crown of thorns, he explores themes of isolation and eros but without the customary whine. - Los Angeles Times

"Collaborating with some 20 musicians, including Jonathan Siegel of Camper Van Beethoven and Nate Query of the Decemberists, Michael Zapruder makes beautiful folk-pop ballads resonant of the voice of Rufus Wainwright and wordplay of Andrew Bird" - Pitchfork - Pitchfork

It’s probably not too much of an overstatement to hang the “genius” tag on multi-instrumentalist Michael Zapruder. New Ways Of Letting Go is a masteful blend of the piano balladry of Tom Waits (“The Alchemist”), the multi-genre brilliance of Rufus Wainwright (“Elm Yellows”), the early baroque pop lilt of the Bee Gees (“On The Arm Of A Burning City”) and the broad range of the Beatles’ solo personas (“Shepherd’s Purse”). For anyone who has found themselves completely smitten with the pop wonder of the Shins or Stew, Zapruder’s Rain of Frogs will stake out a similar patch of soul. - Amplifier

The rewards are vast and varied…akin to hearing Rufus Wainwright croon over Andrew Bird’s simmering string arrangements. - Magnet

Everybody knows that music journalists can be given to hyperbole, but there's just no way to overstate how good this record is. Michael Zapruder is a writer with a rare gift of uncommon perspective combined with the ability to deliver it beautifully…his lyrics and music are subdued and accomplished. This record belongs on the shelf between Lennon’s Double Fantasy and Westerberg’s 14 Songs. Go get it. - Performing Songwriter

"...exactly the brand of smart, ’70s styled pop balladry that I love." - Aquarium Drunkard