(17 October 2002) Shana Morrison is indeed the daughter of legendary singer songwriter Van Morrison. Her debut album on Vanguard Records is a twelve plus onebonus track collection entitled 7 Wishes (79581-2, 2002). The album is an eclectic blend of rock, blues and pop. Ten of the songs are original while two are Van Morrison-penned tracks, "Naked In The Jungle" and "Sometimes We Cry."

Shana and her band Caledonia have amassed an ever-increasing following in the San Francisco Bay area with their 1999 self-released and self-titled debut album. With numerous local club performances, Shana and Caledoniahave also shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Lyle Lovett and Keb' Mo' amongst others. On 7 Wishes Shana is joined by Shawn Pelton (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass), Kenny Greenberg (electric guitar), Matt Rollings (B-3), Sonny Landreth (slide guitar), Steve Buckingham (acoustic guitar, percussion) and Chris Collins (electric guitar). Van Morrison provides harmonica and vocals on "Sometimes We Cry."

Musical Discoveries readers will find that Shana has a wide range that is both powerful and pure. With a style that might be described as cross clearly between Alanis Morissette Stevie Nicks (review) and Michelle Young (feature), the San Francisco Examiner suggests, "her vocal inflection, soaring melodic lines, and sophisticated use of dynamics are reminiscent of her father's performance style. Her material is eclectic and impressive -- a delightfully entertaining mix."

Standout tracks from the album include the Van Morrison-penned number "Naked In The Jungle" evocatively sung and reminiscent of Stevie Nicks both in singing and songwriting style. Listeners will enjoy the vocal layering and production quality and the stylistic variation of the entire recording especially the Alanis Morrissette sound of "Smoke In Bed" and the upbeat while whispy accessible quality of "Would I Could." The evocative gentle bluesy style rocker "God Must Love Me" blends effortlessly into the ethnic instrumental arrangement of the bonus track "Connection," with Shana's wide ranging lead and backing vocal lines.

The album is well-packaged with a full colour booklet, complete with lyrics and photographs accompanying the compact disc.Read further reviews, listen to soundbites and order the album from amazon.com here. Clearly an recording be explored at length, the debut album by Shana Morrison is worth a trans-Atlantic journey; it is a must listen!