Enjoy Your Dessert is the crystalization of John Paul Montagna's multi-faceted genius.  It captures a precious moment in time, when the unique voice of  this musical visionary was just beginning to blossom.  The music evokes the extremes of pop, and life itself: joy, pain, brutal honesty and whimsical nonsense vie for the listener's attention.  Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with John Paul Montagna and Enjoy Your Dessert.
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There are 16 tracks on EYD with lots of variety in style, so you are getting your money's worth. John showcases his multi-talented self quite well here. Some highlights: Sugarmommy sounds reminiscent of a Billy Joel tune, although not any one in particular, just the overall feel. Water On My Back, One Day, and Palace have some really great harmony bits. One More Day is interesting in how it starts mellow and gradually increases in intensity. But Palace makes the CD for me. It's a 3/4 time song that is just a really nice, relaxing tune. If you like variety and you like John, then you're gonna like this. Cheers!
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While much has already been said about John's song writing and musicianship, what I personally most refreshing about Enjoy Your Dessert is the good natured humor that runs throughout.  SUGARMOMMY raises all manner of dysfunctional expectation, but what makes this song so funny is its healthy and centered assessment of the very notion.  But I also have to say that the song is a total groove that one can't help but bounce around to, and, frankly, puts much of what is on mainstream radio to utter shame!

But back to the humor...there are a number of "guy" songs for those of us males between the ages of 18 and 49 who over their sinks, but WHY DO YOU MAKE ME DRIVE SO FAR may well be ultimate "guy" song.  (If VH1 does a countdown of guy songs, this should make the list.)  
That guy streak runs rampant through MILES AWAY and WATER ON MY BACK as well.

Now it would take a pretty spicy pair of Italian meatballs to follow WHY DO YOU MAKE ME DRIVE SO FAR with anything called WALTZ IN A MINOR, but that's just the sort of thing to expect from J.P. Montagna.  Why? Because he's a guy!

But seriously, the beauty that comes through a song like PALACE, a jazz piano ballad tastefully accented by softly placed notes from an electric guitar, is irresistible.  Like SUGARMOMMY, PALACE makes perfect use of its sparse production.  Along with BEHIND T3, BREATHING, and ONE MORE DAY it is the album's hidden treasure.

Enjoy Your Dessert closes with an unexpectedly moving and spiritual piece entitled THESE PLAID PANTS.  This one really hit me hard and I'll tell you why: Whether you are a millennial dispensationalist or a historical eschatologist, when you come face to face with the true and ever-living God, you definitely want to look you best!  I'm shining my shoes even as we speak...
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This is a fun album and John has a great singing voice and the songs themselves are generally suited to his voice.  Expect to hear funk, adult alternative rock and even some jazz influences on many of the songs.  You'll hear some definite McCartney influences on the rock songs and in a couple of cases, you'll also be reminded of John Mayer (not as an influence but more in terms of similar styles).  A very good first effort for someone doing it all by himself on the disc.
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