About

New Jersey musician Dave Vargo wanted to play the guitar before he was even big enough to hold the instrument, so it’s no surprise that his life has been dedicated to its mastery.  A graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Dave’s musical career has followed a windy path of notable experiences including solo recordings and performances, group collaborations, session work, performing with Phoebe Snow, Rupert Holmes and Vonda Shepard, as well as touring with musical sensation Whitney Houston. All have led to his current proclivity as a singer-songwriter who embraces a unique blend of the Americana, country, rock, and folk genres.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a guitarist. Singing and songwriting weren’t even on my radar at first,” he admits. But after extensive touring, Dave wanted music to play a different role in his life. He meticulously studied and followed the work of talented session guitarists who led him to some of his favorite albums by Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, and John Hyatt. As excited as he was about the exceptional music, he was equally enraptured by the lyricism. “I loved the musicality, the quality of the lyrics, infusing meaning into music.”

Since then, Dave has distinguished himself as an accomplished singer-songwriter and gifted guitarist throughout his discography. His albums Burning Through (2016), Spaces in Between (2019), and Crooked Miles (2022) have each earned accolades from critics and fans alike. Reviewers have remarked that “Vargo’s lyrics paint images in the mind” and “reach straight into your heart.” His vocals have been described as “instantly comforting and passionately engaging,” and his instrumental talents as “dynamically tasty guitar work” with “strong melodies and great hooks.”

Regardless of the narrative, all one has to do is listen to some of his many songs such as “Good Enough,” “Tracks,” and “Empty Space” to get the sense of Dave Vargo’s vast continuum of talent. Songs are crafted with precision and care as well as with honesty and wisdom. His robust, smooth vocals take you through a storytelling landscape, much like a friend taking you by the hand to show you something special and new. Guitar skills run the gamut from technically difficult licks and sweet solos to warm melodies and that stay with you long after listening to them.

Creating music isn’t the only facet of Dave Vargo’s career. He’s actively involved in the New Jersey music scene as both an event organizer and leader. From 2016-2019 he organized “The Pierce Sessions,” monthly performance showcases at Pierce Presbyterian Church in Farmingdale, New Jersey. He also started the “Not Quite Nashville” songwriter shows in 2021 which currently take place at Calgo Gardens in Freehold, New Jersey. And a very special weekly music event is Dave’s “2 For Tuesday” series on Facebook which has garnered a substantial following. Started during the pandemic to give singer-songwriters a chance to perform, the program is still running strong at 145+ episodes and counting!

Never content to sit back and relax, Dave continues to write and record new music with plans to release a fourth studio album. He can regularly be found performing throughout the tri-state area as a soloist and collaborator, as well as at annual Jersey Shore events like Light Of Day.