Shakeh, Songs of My Soul CD Release Concert

By B. Noel Barr, Music Writer Dude

Singer and songwriter Shakeh brought life to Grand Annex Nov. 3 with her latest CD release, “Songs of My Soul” with her partners, electric bassist and cellist Brian Asher and percussionist Dwain Roque. Applause for the trio’s performance resounded beyond the wall of the Annex that night through a two set evening.

Kicking off with, “When You’ve Got Hunger,” which is the opening and closing tracks of Songs of My Soul, I found myself immediately immersed in the music and captivated by the positively charged lyrics. Shakeh’s stage-presence is friendly and genuine and she’s a great storyteller too, allowing her to segue seamlessly from one song to the next.

Following the album sequence, Shakeh and company had us rocking to the song, “Take Me To Jericho,” which started off with Brian Asher’s burning solo on the cello. Shakeh makes keen eye contact with audience. Communicating the songs, with her eyes as well as with her guitar playing and singing.

The show was full of fun moments with light hearted romps like, “Saving Myself for a Man with Money;” “Lets Keep it Ligh;” and “Never Been Cool.”

When the trio returned, after intermission, to do their second set, we were greeted with a cello solo of Arron Copland’s “Fanfare for The Common Man”  later we would be engaged with Asher’s version of Dick Dale’s “Misirlou.” Overall, Asher demonstrated what a great and very humble player he is, all by playing with sublime beauty.

The music was great, but the repartee between the artists was funny and lively, leaving the audience fully entertained. This is the third time I have seen these folks together. The show was fun and I can’t wait to see this group again.

In fact, there is a show coming up Saturday at the invitational Jam Night at Artlife Southbay Gallery. Shakeh played with Matt Lincir, owner of Alvas Music, Nov. 14. Matt’s a very accomplished player in his own right. The last time I caught Shakeh was at Alvas celebrating Brian Asher’s cello’s 100th birthday, Prior to last weekend’s Grand Annex gig, Matt played the first set with Brian. The show was absolutely brilliant.

Venue: Artlife Gallery

Location: 1217 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach