John Magnan by John Magnan and the 50/50 Band

14 Mar

Written by Lee Prosser
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John Magnan is a bassist / vocalist / composer / arranger thoroughly in touch with his multi-hued musical world. He's as comfortable with Latin grooves as with urban or pop tunes, and has a deft touch for clever, catchy melodies. This is a great backyard summer party disc -- at least it would be at my house. It's intelligent, it's fun, and it do make the booty want to shake. The stylistic ground covered here is impressive, from the reggae-tinged "Short Lament" to the Latin-y version of Paul Simon's "Late In The Evening," to the outside intro of "Blake." Pianist Bob Long, saxophonist Steve Eisen, trumpeter Mark Olsen, and a host of percussionists and singers (lead by Joanie Pallatto) bring their considerable talents to the project.