Mike Magnelli: Imagination

Archtop guitar enthusiasts are well suited to appreciate the artistry of Mike Magnelli’s debut release on the String Jazz label. Onetime manager/agent for Joe Pass, Magnelli displays a talent in his own right, with contemporary styling in a collection of solo archtop tunes. Magnelli has played alongside Pass, Burt Bacharach and was guitarist and assistant director for the Broadway musical Grease. The solo work on this album is a tribute to Magnelli’s many years of playing the guitar. His smooth picking and strumming make for an enjoyable listen. I am reminded of Jerry Hahn’s “Garden in the Rain” when I hear Magnelli’s work, and Jerry’s excellent handling of the archtop was my first introduction got the instrument in a Jazz setting. An album worthy of a place in any guitar enthusiast’s collection, and a prime selection for relaxing, intelligent music played a long day of stress.