His music covers a variety of styles in both, solo and group contexts; Sambas and Spanish flavors incorporating time changes and modal harmonies. Some pieces are inspired by Mozart, Beethoven, and DeBussey. Others include jazz phrases and harmonies such as "Horizon," which is dedicated to his main mentor, Howard Roberts. Some have a new age, modern, pop rock flavor while tunes "Ultra Violet" and "Silent Fury," influenced by Bill Evans and Chick Corea, possess modulations and uncommon progressions. The B flat blues "To Wes," is a tribute to Wes Montgomery, who has been a strong influence on Michael's phrasing and contains octaves and concepts typical to Wes' style.

Born Michael Anthony Hernandez on February 23, 1941, it wasn’t until his family moved to California at age 14, that he discovered his true musical destiny.