"Darker Side of Fun" – The Shades

Many years and a wide range of experience in music have culminated in this incredible debut album from The Shades. Based in the NY/NJ/CT area, their music is an eclectic blend of Rocking Blues and up-tempo R&B featuring experienced, skilled players and knock-out vocalists whose talent is evident in the tight performances and production on every track. They have received rave reviews [from] Isaac Hayes when they were requested to perform at his Birthday Bash (Isaac said they were "Slammin'!").

If that isn’t enough to tempt you to give them a listen, as individuals they have performed and or recorded with: The Commodores, Stylistics, Lenny Kravitz, Harry Bellefonte, Michael Bolton, The Pointer Sisters, David Sanborn, Anne Murray, Freda Payne, Helen Reddy, Grand Funk Railroad, Trini Lopez, The Drifters, The Marvellettes, and The Platters, just to name a few.

The CD’s title is strange at first, there seems nothing dark here, the music Rocks, it Rolls, it Swings, it Boogies, it Shakes. We were swept along by the incredible talent of not only the two Lead Vocalists, but all the musicians. It is only in listening closely that we hear in the lyrics the pain and The Darker Side of Fun. It is as if the music wants to say, ‘Tomorrow will come soon enough’ put on The Shades and crank it up. It’s Slammin’, it’s Jammin’, it’s time to party.

All the superlatives, name-dropping and classifications as Blues-Rock, R&B Band can’t really describe to you the sound. For that you have to hear them. Visit the website. Buy the CD. Support an independent artist that has earned it.

Dagwood Radio: 4 ½ Stars

© Dagwood Radio

This energized Blues/R&B band from New Jersey features lead vocalists Nicole Hart and Julius Dilligard Jr. The Shades' diverse background in music and entertainment is evident in their original compositions and authoritative sound. The vocal duo between Hart and Dilligard Jr. on “If I'm Wrong” brings the band's upbeat personalities to center stage. Nicole's vocal enthusiasm is reminiscent of the power I was familiar with during the Janis Joplin era of the seventies. Nicole and Julius' vocal prowess come across assured and natural.

The band packs a suitcase of experience including television, studio, radio work and more. Each member, an experienced musician, forms the band's collective sound. The track, “You Can't See”, is one of the highlights on Darker Side of Fun. The CD also includes a bluesy arrangement of the Eagles' hit, “Take it to the Limit”, showcasing members of the band collectively and individually. The Shades ... high on talent and refreshingly high on life!

©Mark's Online Music Source

Long-time fans of this extraordinary high-powered rhythm and blues band will not be disappointed in THE SHADES’ debut release. With the vocal dynamics of Nicole Hart and Julius Dilligard Jr. to lead them, this multi-talented band knocks out one exciting song after another. They are not content to sit idle for long, tearing into rock, blues, and R&B with plenty of passion. THE SHADES live have always brought crowds to their feet, creating some of the best party atmospheres around.

Darker Side of Fun is a crowd-pleasing set of excellent tracks from one of the area’s best bands. Definitely - By All means - Go Buy It!

© John Muller, President Emeritus, United Jersey Blues Network