Mike Rofe
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Mike Rofe

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Band Folk Singer/Songwriter

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"Album Review: Hang On Romantic"

Mike Rofé is a singer/songwriter that I was introduced to recently. He's an artist full of a myriad of different tones, both lyrical and musical. Upon first listen, I wasn't struck by Rofé's music, texturally, but impressed at how each song on his most recent record, Hang On Romantic, maintained a consistent feel but jumped around like a rabbit in a leaf garden. Mike's music is, at its roots, very honest, well-produced, easy to listen to, and most importantly easy to understand because it is simple, happy music.

Rofé's Hang On Romantic draws influence from a number of important artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon and sometimes showcases abilities from these same talents. Barry Goldberg from Bob Dylan's stage band appears on Rofe's record as does Michael's brother Peter of the prestigious L.A. Philharmonic. Also on the record are Phil Leavitt of Dada, and Alex Del Zoppo of Sweet Water. With this, the record plays smoothly from start to finish as each track carries a personality of its own, spurred by the nuance of a variety of studio talents and Rofe's introspective humor.

Despite the influences Mike Rofé notes on his release, I thing this album will appeal to fans of an almost vintage 90s folk rock sound like Blues Traveler, Barenaked Ladies, and Bruce Springsteen whom, like Rofé, often creates a feel good party atmosphere. The point here is there is a focus on fun simplicity and it is executed beautifully. You'll find yourself mimicking Rofé's signature dipping melodies that hover around his modest guitar strumming which merely serves as the vessel that helps you hum and dance along. For me, Rofé's Hang On Romantic isn't an album you pull apart and dissect. You just put it on and let it do its thing.
- Search PraiseForWallflower.com


"Expatriates Return"

Last year saw the departure of two of Sacramento’s most promising singer-songwriters: Mike Rofé (then the drummer for the Famous Celebrities, in addition to his solo work) and Josh Schramm (then also bassist for acoustic math-rockers Nice Monster). Rofé moved to Los Angeles, a town he felt would be more conducive to a career in music, performance being only one of many options....

Over the weekend, both Schramm and Rofé returned to Sacramento to perform at the Fox & Goose, Sacramento expatriates come again to the local stage. Both songwriters performed gorgeous sets, with Rofé’s being particularly surprising in the context of his stage presence. Witty banter with the audience before--and sometimes during--the songs gave the audience a chance to step back, relax a little, laugh and then pour themselves once again into the music.

Full review: http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=45104 - Sacramento News and Review


Discography

2009 LP: Hang On Romantic
2006 LP: STAND
2003 LP: Terms of Perfect

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Bio

If you haven’t experienced Mike Rofé’s soulful and sweet blend of humor and introspection on the ruminations of love and the world, you should make your way inside the belly of the goose, pull up a seat, pick your favorite ale, and open your ears.

Ranging in influence from Dylan to Bare Naked Ladies, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews and David Gray, Mike Rofé's music is rich and superb, full of insight and wisdom.

Mike's new release "Hang On Romantic" features an A-list lineup of musicians including Alex Del Zoppo (Sweet Water), Barry Goldberg (Bob Dylan Band), Phil Leavitt (Dada), Peter Rofé (L.A. Philharmonic) and many more.