Thank you Wes, I am trying various ideas to get the best fit so what you will see at: http://test.melodypods.com/ may not be the best option. The last thing I did was to try to replicate your demo with a narrow menu bar with a small site name to the left with the main image below it tight with no spacing so this doesnt use the logo but if that is a better way because it enables text to float above the image that would be even better.
Image will require improving since it is too small for laptop screens right now. Is there an optimum size?
Thanks