On her sixth album, On the Second Floor, Meg once again enlists producer/instrumentalist Jon Gordon, along with her regular live ensemble of Paul Greenwood, Jamie Rogers and John Mettam. The songs, forged in the crucible of the recession, and hammered smooth in live performance, draw on the cohesion of her live band, presented here with minimal studio ornamentation. The music, an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country and Latin styles, shows Meg's increasing comfort level with diverse musical influences.  Whether longing for a distant partner, celebrating a historical election, or embracing the life lessons of caring for an aging parent, Meg sings compellingly of the hardships and joys of the past several years, both personal and global, in a tone sure to lift the spirits of her listeners.