MANISHA SHAHANE: Diversity at the Zeitgeist
the Groove (vol. 10), Berklee College of Music, August 9th 2001
by Staff Writer, Melissa Axel

"You can find beauty in this world wherever you look and wherever you look and wherever you go." These were the words artist Dennis Murphy chose to describe the photographs taken during his many travels, on display earlier this summer at Central Square's Zeitgeist Gallery. The July 30 closing of Murphy's exhibit featured a concert organized by singer-songwriter Manisha Shahane (pronounced sha-hah-nay). The event showcased Shahane's folk/rock originals with a pinch of Indian spice, as well as a variety of guest artists invited to for the packed house. The show's program included an opportunity for the audience to match the performers with little-known facts about them, setting the tone for an evening of intimacy and camaraderie. 

Shahane performed two sets of original songs, accompanying herself on keyboard. She was joined by Raj Banerjee on guitar, Thomas Hebb on bass, and Alvin Terry on drums. Shahane's truthful lyrics and expressive piano playing demonstrated her perception, intelligence, and strength as a songwriter. Her humorous interlude with the acoustic guitar, dedicated to all who've had difficulties dealing with the Immigration & Naturalization Service and American Foreign Embassies, showed her side as well, greatly amused the audience. 

Between sets, both veteran and newcomer guest artists contributed to the evening - with an eclectic and diverse mix of song and spoken word. Berklee faculty member, producer, and pianist Frank Wilkins shared a song-in-progress with brilliant keyboard jazz improvisation. Valerie Stephens-Washington performed several stirring works of original poetry about remembrance, backed by the ever-ready Hebb and Terry on bass and drums. Indian classical vocalist Falguni Shah of the band Karyshma, and pianist Oren Levine paid musical homage to their respective Indian and Israeli roots. Ron Murphy provided an original gospel song, accompanying his own deep, heartfelt vocals on keyboard. Singer-songwriter Shira Erlichman of the band Jem Static performed her song, "Two Stories." This song was first heard by Shahane at a Club Passim open mic and liked it so much that she requested it for the July 30th event. Vernon 'VCR' Robinson got everyone involved in his spoken word piece "If Heaven was on Stage," by inviting audience members to sing along at key points during the poem. He also demonstrated his ability to freestyle, involving, Hebb and Terry for an off-the-cuff set of rhymes and beats. Shahane joined pianist-songwriter Tuffus Zimbabwe on stage to sing his original spiritual tune, "When I Think of You," before her last set.

Shahane's sound has been compared to that of Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Kim Carnes, and Suzanne Vega. The international flavor of the show was highlighted by one of Shahane's songs, "Shyam Rao-chi Mulgee," which she sung partly in Marathi, the native language of her parents. Shahane plans to record her originals for a new CD to be entitled Peace in Progress. Exhibitor Dennis Murphy notes of Shahane's gathering local talent in the honor of his work, "She has more ideas in three seconds than I have in a year!" Clearly this one, a melting pot of talent and inspiration, was a wonderful vision realized - and well received, In the words of Stephens-Washington, "We began by thinking we could change the world - and have a good time - and we did".

[The Zeitgeist Gallery is a venue that supports the work of a variety of both visual and performing artists. The gallery is currently being forced to relocate from its 312 Broadway location in Cambridge, and donations to the gallery are especially appreciated at this time. For details please contact the gallery at 617-876-2182.]