In the shining tradition of truly great singers, Meghan Shanley steps fully into the spotlight.
The Virginia native is a graduate of
Princess Anne High School and
Old Dominion University who went on to win the title of Miss Virginia before turning her attention full time to music. Her debut album, Ready for Love, is now available, blending the influence of beloved standards with a delightful taste of jazz and soul. The result is a unique collection of original tunes that harken back to a classic era.
The title track is the first single released to radio. The dynamic title cut is a perfect intro to what is destined to become a classic collection of flavorful new songs that gather the best of those classic influences into something completely new, completely contemporary and ultimately captivating. Nine of the ten tracks are original, but the arrangements and lyrical style have a classic air.
The album also includes a warm cover of the sincere "Smile" which was composed by Charlie Chaplin and has been recorded previously by Diana Ross, Nat King Cole and even Michael Jackson (although the latter was never released in the US).
Meghan's reign as Miss Virginia awakened her love for music and touring. Her pursuit of a career in music led her to Nashville where she landed acts on prestigious stages including the Ryman
Auditorium and the Wildhorse Saloon. She has also been featured on Fine Living Network's The Genuine Article and performed at the wedding reception of
Paula Deen which aired on the Food Network. The original song she performed, "Here," has become a hit with brides nationwide.
Although Shanley ventured into Country music for a while, something different continued to nip at the heels of her musical soul. With the encouragement of a growing list of friends from a variety of musical genres, Meghan began to explore a style of singing that blends the influences of great singers and song stylists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Marilyn Maye, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and the more recent,
Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Bublé.
Her path has taken her down eclectic roads. Meghan has been a featured performer in touring productions of Country Classics: Treasures from the Attic, The Spirit Of Broadway, The Spirit of Christmas, Dancing Queen, Cruisin' Classics: A Night at the Diner, and 6Chix.
"I have always loved the music of the great stylists of days gone by, and the new singers who revitalize that classic style of soul, pop and cabaret," Shanley says. "I am so excited to share this collection."
Her soul searching and experience has culminated into a masterpiece that is bound to be a classic collection. With Ready for Love, pop and blues meet blue-eyed soul. It's cabaret. It's refreshingly soulful and jazzy. It's Meghan Shanley.
