Tom Lagana starts the new year with his first CD, ‘Patuxent,’ released on December 15^th.

   Mr. Lagana plays electric, nylon, and steel  string guitar. He is joined by some excellent local musicians: Chris Bacas on tenor and soprano sax, and flute; Marty Morrison and Frank Russo on drums; Mike Noonan on marimba; Jeff Antoniuk on soprano sax; and Todd Harrison on drum set, udu drum, guiro, djembe, congas, and other percussion. Popular Max Murray, former Navy Band bassist, plays with Mr. Lagana on every song.

   ‘Patuxent’ is a mature debut CD of 11 original tunes written by Mr. Lagana, with the assistance of Mr. Murray and Mr. Russo on “Get Away,” Mr. Murray on “Charmed,” and Mr. Bacas on “Tranquil.” “North End” was composed during a recording session almost two years ago, but for the most part Mr. Lagana wrote all the music and arrangements in just over a year.

   The Music on ‘Patuxent’ is original and unclassifiable. Every tune is a whole new sound by itself, but that sound comes from multiple influences: classic jazz, swing, bebop, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and much more.

   On every track, the musicians play well together and the handoffs are well done.

   Mr. Lagana says he doesn’t like to be classified; he prefers to be called an “improvising musician” with jazz roots. His versatility is evident on his newest CD; one jazz enthusiast who listened to ‘Patuxent’ said, “If one person wrote all this music, it must have been over five years at least.”

   Mr. Lagana also received high praise and encouragement from legendary guitarist Charlie Byrd.

   “Charlie came over to the Moon Café (in) downtown Annapolis to hear me play a few years ago,” Mr. Lagana recalls. After listening to Mr. Lagana’s work, Mr. Byrd called him “…one of the most promising guitarists in the area.” That’s quite a compliment, particularly since it came from one of the most accomplished jazz guitarists in the world.

   Mr. Lagana is a very hard working musician, performing at local clubs and private functions all over the area. His group was the house band at the King of France Tavern, playing to a packed house three nights a week for more than a year. His guitar playing can also be heard on the Fox TV show, ‘America’s Most Wanted.’

   Mr. Lagana has matured in the subtlety of his playing since his 1993 return to this area where he grew up. He has a keen awareness of entrances and exits, as well as the rare quality of letting you wait to hear the next note. This understated phrasing is evident throughout this entire CD.

   If ‘Patuxent’  is an indication of what Mr. Lagana can accomplish musically in just over a year, his fans have a great deal to look forward to.

   To find out more information on the Tom Lagana Group, visit the Web site at www.tomlagana.net.

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