Biography
Meagan Lane and Geoff de Mers, founders of Wammy nominated 2nd Story Band grew up in the '50s and '60s during one of the most musically rich periods in the evolution of American Pop Music. It was a time when Rock-a-billy, Doo Whop, R & B, Tejano, Calypso, Cowboy Music (C&W), Swing, Rock & Roll, Folk, and Folk Rock could be heard on commercial radio. In fact since 1978, as a result of their ability to incorporate these and many other styles including West African, Latin and Celtic, Meagan and Geoff have developed one of the most interesting and fresh sounds to come out of the Metro Washington, DC area.
Over their 30 year career together Meagan and Geoff have worked with some of the very finest musicians in the area from various countries and cultures, especially on Drums, Percussion, Violin and Bass. As an example: in 1990 they formed a West African Band, Hedzoleh Story in collaboration with Amartey Larea, a multi-instrumentalist, singer/ song- writer from Ghana, West Africa. Their shows included performances at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and Harmony Hall Regional Arts Center during African History Month. The African based music and dance grooves dramatically influenced the duo's musical growth and songwriting. Inspired by these rhythms and grooves the 2nd Story Band Duo developed an exciting new style, a jammin' World Beat Blend of funky Blues & Swing, West African, Caribbean and Pop Rock rhythms. They call it "World Beat Blues".
A 2nd Story Band performance gives the audience a chance to participate in various ways: call and response, playing authentic African hand percussion instruments and dancing, etc. And there is the magical "limbo stick" which Meagan and Geoff send out into the audience for the children of all ages who love to see "how low they can go".
2nd Story Band can perform as a Duo or as a Trio with an Afro/Latin percussionist. Meagan has a smoky, expressive vocal style and Geoff's vocal harmonies and leads are a great complement to the sound. Meagan plays a massive acoustic bass guitar providing melodic and propulsive rhythm and also kalimba (African thumb piano). Geoff plays acoustic rhythm and lead guitar and slide guitar, flute and harmonica and adds guitar synthesizer samples simulating instruments like Caribbean steel drums (pan), Andean flutes and piano adding spice to the flavors in the mix.
The band's larger concerts can include exotic West African Dance. Audiences are mesmerized when the dancers in colorful, traditional costumes appear on stage. The energy is contagious! From an acoustic Duo or Trio up to a full compliment of up to 5 top notch players on Afro-Cuban percussion, bass, drums, synthesized steel drums, sax and lead guitar, the 2nd STORY Band puts on "one heck of a show".
Meagan and Geoff feel it is important to give back to the community. For the past several years they have been giving regular performances at assisted living homes and senior centers in addition to community pool parties, restaurants, concerts and house parties. They enjoy ad-libbing on stage, chatting with their audience and giving insights into the various musical styles and instruments they play.
Instrumentation
MEAGAN LANE
Vocals, Bass, Kalimba
GEOFF de MERS
Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Blues Harp, Slide Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer
If the budget permits, the band can expand to include Percussion (Djembe, Congas, etc.) and/or Drums and Saxophone. In larger shows the Band can be accompanied by West African Dancers
Discography
The Politicians All Sing - Origins & Originals -CD, @2006 Meagan Lane and Geoff de Mers
Blue Shades - World Beat Blues Fiesta -CD, @2001
Meagan Lane and Geoff de Mers
"Down By the Water" and "As the Years Go Passing By" have recently been played on Public Radio in Connecticut, Ohio, California & Brazil. Go to www.2ndstoryband.com to reach links to listen to tracks from "Blue Shades" and "The Politicians All Sing".
The CDs are available at www.cdbaby.com/2ndStoryBand .
Promotional Copy - Cassette Tape (7 songs, 6 original) -c 1995
2nd Story's First - Cassette Tape (9 Songs) - c 1985
Links
| http://www.2ndstoryband.com |