DESOL REDEFINED

Sometimes all it takes to feel out a guitarist is to jam on some Led Zeppelin songs.

That's what deSol did when Kevin Ansell dropped by the band's rented house in Deal, N.J., where singer/guitarist Albie Monterrosa and company were writing songs for their second studio album.

"We had a great time, and he never really left our side," says Monterrosa (above).

Ansell, who has taken over for Renzo Staiano, isn't the only recent addition to the Jersey Shore-based Latin rock band. Ron Shields, who was deSol's original drummer, is back in the fold, replacing Jeremy Hoenig.

The latest lineup can be heard on "Sing It All Night," which was released to radio June 11 and topped Radio & Records' Triple A Most Added list in the trade publication's June 15 issue.

"On that song," says Ansell, "we were really going for a [Rolling] Stones-y thing. I was trying to be Keith Richards in that moment."

As for On My Way, the new deSol album (due Aug. 7 on the saZon label), both Monterrosa and Ansell say it's a departure from past band efforts -- meaning that not every song has a strong Latin flavor to it.

"We always give big respect to what we've done in the past," says Monterrosa, "but the new record was a big change for us."

"There are so many influences from one tune to the next," adds Ansell, "and even though it has a cohesive feel, I think there are elements of classic stuff built into the record."

The band's touring itinerary through July includes some Garden State gigs -- July 21 at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park and July 25 at Union County's Echo Lake Park on the Westfield/Mountainside border.

For more on deSol, visit www.desolmusic.com.