Reviews
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Empty Chair, by Mike Dangeroux and it’s a cool mix of blues and rock. Opening with shuffle, End Like This, Mike Dangeroux leads the way on vocal and guitar as well as bass, joined by Vincent Varco on piano, and Daron Casper Walker on drums. With an Elmo James kind of turnaround, this is a cool opener. Blues rocker, Play My Cards Right, has a snappy drum beat and Dangeroux’s vocal/rhythm guitar sets the pace. I like Mike’s guitar phrasing and style on this one. Solid contribution. Wrapping the release is slow blues, What’s Taking So Long, featuring Dangeroux showing his chops over his soulful vocals. Varco on organ and tight drums from Walker makes this a solid closer. –Bman’s Blues Report
A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Chicago-born guitarist Mike Dangeroux has played with Koko Taylor, Mississippi Heat, J.W. Williams, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, and with Buddy Guy as a featured performer at Guy’s blues club Legends. On his recently released EP, Empty Chair (RD Records), Dangeroux (vocals, guitar, bass) is backed by Vincent Varco (keyboards), and Daron Casper Walker (drums). Dangeroux wrote all six songs and co-produced the set with Varco.
The opening track, “End Like This,” is a tough Windy City shuffle that looks at the sudden end of a relationship, while “Money Back” is a gritty rock-edged blues. “Play My Cards Right” is a fast-paced track that mixes blues and funk, and “No Good For Me” is a terrific slow blues. The title track is a mid-tempo blues rocker that describes a broken romance, while the closing number, “What’s Taking So Long,” is an excellent slow burner with fine guitar work and vocals from Dangeroux.
The singer/guitarist displays keen versatility as a vocalist and guitarist, as these songs have traditional and contemporary qualities. Combined with the rock-solid backing from Varco and Walker, Dangeroux has produced an excellent EP that should make blues fans clamor for a full-length effort from this group as soon as possible. –Graham Clarke
Mike Dangeroux is a Berklee School of Music graduate who resides in Chicago. This release highlights his story telling in each of the six original cuts.
Dangeroux handles the vocals, guitar and bass. On keysis Vincent Varco and on drums is Daron Casper Walker. Recorded locally, Dangeroux offers up some nice studio cuts.
“End Like This” opens the release. It’s a rollicking Chicago blues with nice guitar work by Dangeroux. The organ support is brisk and tight. Mike sings with passion, He continues with “Money Back.” Dangeroux sings of his economic woes with a deliberate and emphatic delivery. His guitar rings as he gets his groove on.
“Play My Cards Right” is next with more bright and cool guitar as he gets things rolling in this up tempo cut. The bass and drums set the pace as Dangeroux sings and plays with intensity. Next is “No Good For Me,” a thoughtful blues ballad with Mike singing with deep feeling. Dangeroux offers up another pair of short but intense guitar solos.
The cover track is next. Distorted vocals help set the mood in this song of lost love. Dangeroux picks out some nice riffs in this funky number. The final track “What’s Taking So Long” is a slow and pretty blues. The pacing is slow and cool as Mike growls out the lead vocals and picks out some cool notes on his axe. Lots of slick guitar solo work make this one special.
Dangeroux has shared the stage with Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Mississippi Heat and other blues greats. He plays regularly at Legends in Chicago. This is a nice little release and fans of Chicago blues will surely enjoy it! –Blues Blast Magazine
Chicago IL 9pm
No More Bad News