Album Notes

A reviewer from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review nicely sums up HIGH FREQUENCY HOPE, writing "John McDonald's 'trop-rock' is a mix of Caribbean rhythms and world music, a lighthearted potion that can be intoxicating."

Another reviewer writes "Think hanging out on a beach in the Bahamas. Mix that with northern clime sensibilities, shake and stir, and you get HIGH FREQUENCY HOPE, an album that that both makes you pay attention to story lines and want to give into the urge to crack open a coconut...If you hear that McDonald is playing on a beach near you, don't hesitate to get sand between your toes. John & his Mango Men offer good vibrations."

This recent re-release marks the growing influence of one of the fastest-growing musical genres in the world today, trop-rock. Inspired by artists who blend pop & rock with music from the tropics, including Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne & Sting, John combines elements of reggae, calypso, salsa, Cajun & driving Latin-based percussion into his own distinct trop-rock sound & sensibility.

Described as a "trop rock innovator," John McDonald & his Pittsburgh-based group have received positive reviews for HIGH FREQUENCY HOPE & their live performances from many regional publications throughout PA, Ohio, Maryland & West Virginia:

"A premier party band" The Ticket

"Makes you forget your cares & come down to the shore" Beaver Valley Times

"Now with High Frequency Hope, McDonald has a powerful medium from which to convey his beliefs" Rock n' Roll Reporter

"Pittsburgh's Jimmy Buffett" Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Fun Caribbean-flavored music" Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"A surefire cure for those cloudy days" Erie Daily Times

"HIGH FREQUENCY HOPE dishes up tropical vibes...'Rio de Janeiro' is restful, wistful and hopeful...'Do What You Want' is jazzy islandic & if what you want to dance, you can...their style works nicely with the classic 'Love the One You're With' " McKeesport Daily News

Along with writing songs for video projects & jingles, John McDonald has appeared in concert with the Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson, America & many national recording artists.