The Music: Reviews

With over 15 years of song writing, recording, and performance experience, 6 full albums (both alone and with bands), as well as a host of live and studio appearances with a wide variety of bands, John has received a variety of reviewsl. Listed here are a selection of the more insightful of them.

East Bay Express calls Summertime In California a "collection of hopeful, self-assured bluegrass and California country," noting that John and Lee "are skilled as singers and instrumentalists alike, seamlessly trading roles from track to track and proving their chemistry to be as natural as their muse." (January 28, 2009)
[ read the whole review ]

Relix Magazine calls John's songs "vibrant, expansive sounds...featur[ing] splendid lead guitar work and absolutely breathtaking vocals" (Vol. 25, no. 3; pg. 64).
[ not available online ]

GodsOfMusic.com says "John McGaraghan, a Californian with the heart, the soul, the passion and the virtuosity of voice, songwriting and instrumental performance ability to be among the new school of Western Americana stars." and "Pray to the gods of music fans everywhere that the word spreads about John McGaraghan."
[ read the whole review ]

JamBands.com describes the "Lost Along The Way" album as "an unfeigned treasure of sound", "in my opinion [is] the best album of the year", adding "Not only does he seem to have the vision; he has the wherewithal to produce it sonically."
[ read the whole review ]

Listen.com says that John "really understands the beauty of sad songs", and "His cathartic musings...seem to roll off the tip of his heart and collectively stir up passionate emotions."
[ read the whole review ]

Other sources say:

"a must for any New Grass or ALT. Country fan."
"you can't shake this kind of musicianship."
"an unfeigned treasure of sound."