This review is on 2nd Story Band and their offering, "Blue Shades World Beat Blues Fiesta". An interesting group of bluesy-jazz songs, or if your in the other mood, jazzy-blues songs, that brings many different styles together.

Styles such as Irish Folk, straight ahead Blues, and modern Jazz. In the group you will find lead singer Megan Lane, who also plays bass guitar, and kalimba. Geoffrey deMers, who also has lead vocal duties, and plays guitar harmonica, and ocean drums. Gary Lowenthal on lead, and rhythm guitar. Ira David Miller fills out the group on Drums.

The first song on this disc, "Down By The Water" tears out of the gate, lets you know that you're in for a ride. The bluesy song shows off the talent of this fine group. This is the first time I have listened to the 2nd Story Band and "Down By The Water" is a welcome start. The voice of Meagan Lane starts it, soon joined by a funky scratch on the guitar, and a driving drum line. Meagan sounds like a soulful Janice Joplin, but with a better range. Matter of fact the lead and backing vocals on this disc is top notch.

The song "Tom Bigby" a ballad with piano, acoustic guitar, and electric violin, as the more predominate instruments. This song reminds me of a folk song, with a bit of an Irish feel to it. The vocals pierce through, without diminishing any other part of the song. With strong harmonies and lead vocals I almost hear Joan Baez coming through the speakers.

The song "Cesar Rules" is 2nd Story Band's signature song. When this song starts off I thought I was listening to Spyro Gyra. The drums along with the saxophone put me into a swaying trance. This song collaboration with Amartey Laryea, a songwriter from Ghana (in West Africa). "Cesar Rules" gives you an island feel along with the African rhythms. This song really embodies the disc's title "World Beat Blues Fiesta".

As great a listen as this disc was it is a hard review. With so much good stuff its hard to find a place to start writing, it was hard enough to stop listening. In this offering you get the production, the presentation, and the talent of a fantastic band. If you get a chance give 2nd Story Band a listen. This disc will be put to good use.