
Long before his move to Florida from the Mid-Atlantic, singer songwriter John McDonald was influenced by Bob Marley’s Jamaican reggae, Jimmy Buffett’s Caribbean rock and Paul Simon’s South African and Brazilian rhythms.
Now based on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, John McDonald and his band the Mango Men perform their own distinct, high-energy brand of Trop Rock and fun, feel-good Classic Rock, Floribbean-style!
John’s immersion in sub-tropical life inspired his approach to recording the music on his current album, Islandology.
Not unlike ‘Floribbean’ chefs in South Florida who creatively mix and match Afro-Caribbean, Jamaican, Central and South American cuisines, his long-time band mates, drummer Kevin Kornicki and guitarist Dale Cinski, tap their mutual appreciation of Latin, reggae, world beat, calypso and island-based rhythms.
Space Coast Daily:
‘John McDonald & the Mango Men blend reggae, rock, Latin percussion and world beat rhythms into a fun, infectious party atmosphere.’
John McDonald & the Mango Men were featured at the Space Coast Seafood & Music Fest where they performed with Molly Hatchet, Charlie Daniels Band and Grammy-nominated reggae band Soldiers of Jah Army.
They also appeared in concert with The Beach Boys, Hall & Oates, Smokey Robinson, America, Orleans, Craig Chaquico, Travis Tritt, Ky-Mani Marley and Don McLean.
Although his relocation to the Sunshine State represents a fresh, musical reboot, John McDonald still loves to perform fun, up-tempo Trop Rock and Classic Rock, Floribbean-style.
As a performing songwriter, he also thrives on the intimacy of house concerts and small venues.
Brevard Live Magazine:
‘John McDonald is a premier songwriter...Right Place, Right Time is a flawless gem.’
Entertainment Central:
‘A Rusted Root-meets-Bob Marley feel. It will be tough to resist the urge to dance.’
Whirl Magazine:
‘We are instantly transported to a land of sunshine and no stress!’
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
‘McDonald’s CD Right Place, Right Time is a tropical breeze with positive energy.’
Brevard Live Magazine:
‘John McDonald has the gift.’
Media Reviews:
John McDonald Wins Trop Rock Music Association Single of the Year Award for 'Islandology'
Trop Rock Singer John McDonald to Perform During St. Patrick’s Street Fest
John McDonald’s Trop Rock music sends listeners on island journey
The Floribbean sound of John McDonald
Musician John McDonald to Debut his CD Release Concert Video for National Margarita Day
WATCH: Melbourne Singer Songwriter John McDonald Chimes In for International Day of Happiness
John McDonald & The Mango Men To Jam at Space Coast Seafood & Music Seafood Festival in Viera
Right Place, Right Time CD Review
John McDonald Album Is a Tropical Breeze
Happy pop songs with a degree of self-reflection and observation