World Music Reviews
By Francesca Nemko
HopeDance #73 • Page 11 • SUMMER 2009 • (www.hopedance.org)

Peace in Progress, by Manisha Shahane, www.manishamusic.com

Although born and raised in the U.S., Manisha Shahane displays much of her Indian roots on this, her debut album. She depicts it as “rooted in folk, jazz, classical and Indian traditions” and all these elements are displayed throughout. A track-by-track assessment shows an opening of traditional Indian instruments with Shahane singing in the Marathi language. This is followed by 45 minutes of her beautiful, lyrical voice on very meaningful lyrics – most sung in English. On track #3, she also is heard on vibes and piano, while #4 asks such interesting questions as:”Why do you laugh when you look at me, I’m only a little bit clumsy,” the title of the song.

On #5 there is an acoustic bass solo by Blake Newman, offering another flavor; next she has overdubbed her voice for a choral effect; then she moves into another Marathi piece, “Nachre Mora,” one of the few non-original pieces. Her low, smoky voice is well suited to “Something In Your Voice, which also features flutist Dominique Gagne. Retuning to Marathi, Shahane accompies her voice on acoustic piano, which is followed by a delightful childlike “Willows;” then closes with “Love Sheets,” which speaks of her childhood home and her parents and what she most cherishes about those times.

Manisha is a true “find” in the musical field. She’s capable of many moods and colors, and she, too, is concerned about our difficult times. She says “I used to believe that conflicting internal commentary, misunderstandings in our homes and communities and wars, obstructed peace, until I realized that navigating this terrain is part of our collective peace in progress.” Her music and words do indeed reflect a way of being involved in change.

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