Mike Dangeroux – Empty Chair
RD Records
6 tracks/24 muinutes
Mike Dangeroux is a Berkelee 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!
