by Jason AnkenyBlue Magic's sublime sophomore effort manages to retain the delicate beauty of their debut while summoning a more confident, robust approach to group harmony. The Magic of the Blue is above all a celebration of the human voice in all its myriad forms of expression. Whether transcending contrived ballads like"Three-Ring Circus" (a bland rewrite of the earlier hit"Sideshow") or soaring on the strength of up-tempo dance tunes like the excellent title cut, Blue Magic's harmonies are impeccable, showcased by arrangers Norman Harris, Bobby Eli, and Vince Montana in a series of elegant, richly detailed contexts as unique to Philadelphia as the Liberty Bell.