According to critics, Mike Mangione's music has been termed 'beautiful,' 'timeless,' 'stunning,' and among the 'best of the year.' Mangione combines soul, folk, roots-rock and pop to create music that emphasizes tone - both lyrically and instrumentally. On the road Mangione performs his soulful acoustic pop selections as a quartet consisting of acoustic, electric guitar, classical violin, and cello. As a live act, the group recreates the live mood of their recordings, searching for musical moments by favoring atmosphere, arrangement, and dynamics. Mangione's constant dedication to the audience and the art of live performance has been the underlying impetus behind the bi-coastal (and international), ongoing tour. Some recent highlights include appearances on Sirius Satellite Radio, WGN-TV, Milwaukee's NBC affiliate (a record five-times), SXSW, Summerfest, Taste of Chicago, World Youth Day, The Recording Academy's Chicago Bluesfest Kickoff Jam, and MPR's The Current.

Blake Thomas:
"Somber, weary, honky-tonk folk-rock that should suit lonely drinkers as well as anyone itchin' for an old-timey bar brawl." -The Onion

"A near-flawless balance of excellent musicianship, his gorgeous, occasionally shiver-inducing voice and smart songwriting." - Rick's Cafe

"Each tune is carefully crafted, focusing on the intricacies of intertwining instruments as well as the poetics of the lyrics... Perhaps most distinctive of those pieces is the voice of Blake Thomas. Like Robert Plant or Eddie Vedder, Thomas creates a sound I fall victim to every time. It takes only one note to recognize the voice and realize I need to hear more." -The Badger Herald