Vengeance Strikes a Blow Against the Empire
Vengeance is comprised of a core of
dedicated musicians who are true believers in the transcendent power of music.
For them music is more than its component parts. It is more like an aural
landscape that shifts form and content, always growing and changing as the muse
strikes. It is no wonder that they were finally noticed and validated by their
legion of fans. Vengeance won Review Awards for Best Rock Band, Best Variety
Band. Matt Hyatt won the honor of Best Guitarist (heavy praise indeed) and Dave
Banks got the nod for Best Keyboardist.
It was a musical coup d’etat. Review was able to chat with leader Adolph
Borrego as well as Dave Banks and Matt Hyatt. Adolph is truly a modest soul
with a big heart and a keen vision for the future.
Adolph: How long has Vengeance been performing?
Vengeance was formed in the late 90's.
I had just moved back to Michigan after living in Syracuse, NY for about 6
years. When I got back of course I looked up my old musician friends and
Vengeance was formed. I had been in a few bands before leaving Michigan and had
had the honor of playing with some of the area's top musicians including
extraordinary guitarist Mike Fink and the drummer/sax player/singer Bobby Pyman
to name a few.
Adolph: Whose in the band?
The original line up of Vengeance was
me on rhythm guitar and vocals, Pat Cherry on drums, Rodney Trumble on Lead
guitar and Ron Arrington on Bass. We played all over the place strictly as a
cover band and we had a set list of material that was more deep cut or album
cut kind of stuff that none of the other local bands were doing. We have always
wanted to be a bit different.
Adolph: How has the band evolved?
As most bands do, we have gone
through our share of personnel changes and as a result Pat and I are the only
two original and founding members left. Throughout 2012 our lineup was Pat and
I, Terry Kasper on Bass, Matt Hyatt on Lead Guitar, Dave Banks on Keys and the
little lady with the big dynamite voice Dani Vitany on vocals. These are some
of the most talented musicians I've ever played music with.
What was your reaction to winning Best Rock Band and Best Variety
Band?
Adolph: Complete surprise
mixed with a sense of pride.
I would be remiss if I didn't give
credit where it's due. If it were not for this lineup we would not have won the
awards we won at the Review awards ceremony. Dani has since moved on to bigger
and better things with the newly formed rocking country band Ten Hands Tall. We
wish Dani and THT the best of luck and want to Thank Dani for the time she put
in with us.
Matt:
Both times it was a moment
of confusion, then shock and wondering "did they screw up? Real soon
after that I guess it kind of felt like I dunked a basketball for the first
time -- and for a short guy that's a pretty awesome feeling.
We
were surprised just to win the best variety band award and had even said if we
went home with just that, then it was more than we expected and we were
content. Then Dave won, then I won and then we won Best Rock Band and I
think we were all completely elated.
Matt what was your reaction to getting best guitarist?
When they
called my name for best rock guitarist I was speechless. I have such a
passion for music and this is just a wonderful byproduct. I am humbled
and honored by our fans and supporters for their faithfulness and support
Matt were
you inspired by anyone in particular. Did you take lessons, have a mentor?
I was first
inspired to play guitar when I fell in love with Led Zeppelin. I was 10 years
old. I started taking lessons at various places and eventually took
lessons from Jim Pagel out at Bay Music. I took lessons with him for two
years. Since then I had times where I hardly even played until I married
my current wife Gaymarie Hyatt who has supported me at every step of my music
career
Adolph: How do you describe your music?
Vengeance has gone through a number of
musical tastes and flavors in our shows and we are a unique blend of everything
from Rock to Blues, to R & B, to Country. Our ages range from middle
thirties to late fifties so we have a boat load of experience and a very
diverse ear and love of music. Our influences range from George Jones and
George Strait to George Thorogood and the Georgia Satellites. Seriously though
we all love a very broad range of music and we all believe that the music is
not in our instruments, it's in our hearts and in our souls.
Adolph: You must have a loyal following. Did they get the word
out?
Yes, the word definitely got due to our
wives and girlfriends as well as many many loyal friends.
The band wishes to thank everyone that
voted for us and we want everyone to know that it is not lost on us what this
means. We were up against the best bands around and we are humbled and honored
to have won. A special shout out to our wives and girlfriends for their undying
support and encouragement
Adolph: You are from Birch Run - does it have a growing music/arts
scene?
It really appears to. With the talent that has
come from such a small town there must be something in the water. We perform around the Clio, Montrose,
Saginaw, Flint area. We've played at Bob's Bar in Fosters, Bus Stop in Birch
Run, Backwoods in Burt, Cloverleaf in Clio, Prime Event Center in Bay City, Dow
Event Center as the Spirit hockey games band and a number of Eagles and VFW
Halls.
Dave: what was your visceral response to winning
Best Keyboardist
I just couldn't comprehend it...I sat there
for the longest time trying to figure out if I should be so bold as to really
go up. Pat finally nudged me and said "you better get your butt up
there or they're going to give it away!" Just looking around as I'm
walking up thinking about how crazy talented this room of people is and here I
am going up for an award -- and also that most of those same people are
thinking "who?!?!?" Then I think, "holy crap...they want a
speech of some sort." I went blank after that.
Dave:
Did you have a mentor.
Definitely - my cousin Terry. Amazing piano
player in whatever style was called for. He started showing me how to
really play with chords and use blues scales, and also to pick out
parts by ear. I appreciate those tips a ton. Later on I learned a
ridiculous amount by playing dueling pianos with Jeff Lehman out of
Warren. He clued me in to really playing the whole keyboard to fill up the
sound. Also showed me what
songs most people want to hear on a night out.
songs most people want to hear on a night out.
Dave:
What are your plans for the future?
We're absolutely in a time of change and
evolving. With Dani moving on to another band - who are freaking awesome
by the way - we are feeling our way to the best mix for us and also the places
we play. It’s been trying, but it’s also been an energy shot coming up
with different songs that work with who we are now
Adolph:
Our future is always evolving because
of the broad spectrum of music we all enjoy. We plan on being around for a long
long time.
