December 15, 2001
  Patuxent Album Review
  by Michael Buckley, WRNR radio
  in Chesapeake Music Guide

Tom Lagana - Patuxent
Annapolis is home to a couple of stellar jazz guitarists, Tom Lagana and Rob Levit.  This is the word on Tom Lagana and his new CD "Patuxent."  Tom graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music back in 1992.  After Berklee, Tom became the guitarist for the Walt Disney Jazz Band.  Returning to Maryland, Tom Lagana met Charlie Byrd who called him "...one of the most promising jazz guitarists in the area."  Tom has made good on Charlie's high praise.  As a bandleader, he formed the Tom Lagana Trio and gigged as the house band at the famed King of France Tavern, one upon a time a jazz lover's paradise under the Maryland Inn in Annapolis.  Lagana also found time to work on the soundtrack for the television show America's Most Wanted.  The new CD features eleven original tunes by The Tom Lagana Group.  Throughout the recording Lagana demonstrates the ability to play a variety of musical styles including Brazilian, classical and more.  On a number of these tunes, Tom Lagana's music is infused with the influence of Charlie Christian, by way of Pat Metheny.  There is a nice balance between acoustic and electric tunes, staying on the mellow (although not the "smooth") side.  I found this perfect for listening while letting my mind wander.  There are a couple of upbeat pieces that really swing, too.  The instrumentation is lush, with layers of marimba (Mike Noonan), sax (Jeff Antoniuk), flute (Chris Bacas) and deep wooden percussion (Todd Harrison).  The group is rounded out by Max Murray on bass, plus Marty Morrison and Frank Russo alternating with Harrison on drums.  I like this jazz recording and I think you will too.  This new CD will be available on Dec 15.  Find the Tom Lagana Group at: "http://www.tomlagana.net.

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