JOHN PLATANIA After spending years as a guitarist for Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Judy Collins, Don McLean, Natalie Merchant and Chip Taylor, the gifted John Platania steps to the front of the stage as vocalist on his first solo outing, LUCKY DOG. John has been a player throughout Van Morrison’s musical history from the classic Moondance album to the more recent Philosopher’s Stone on which he co-wrote two songs. In 1997, John reunited with Chip Taylor, composer of many hits including two of the biggest in pop music history: Angel Of The Morning and Wild Thing. He and Chip are currently working together on a John Platania instrumental album for Chip’s Train Wreck Records label. As a producer, John has helped other artists realize their musical vision. He collaborated with bluesman Guy Davis on his last two CD’s for Red House Records. All songs on LUCKY DOG were interpreted, arranged and produced by John and written by Elwood H. Smith, executive producer on the project.