I went to hear Shana Morrison to see if those who had reviewed her knew what they were talking about. They didn't. She was described in the same article as sounding like Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin. I heard neither. Her vocal quality did sound like Nell Carter's. This was the first show on her tour. Shana is Van Morrison's daughter, which invites comparisons that do not apply.
Shana is a pigtailed honey, slim and sexy in a short black dress. Her voice is powerful. She wrote quite a few of the tunes on her Monster Music CD. Her band, which included guitarists Jimmy Fisher and Chris Collins, drummer Joel Griffin, and bassist Scoop McGuire sounded like what they probably are, a young San Francisco studio band.
"Coming To the Green Light" is a smoker. Shana has excellent stage presense and great moves. "You Will Be My Reason" has hit written all over it. both guitarists sing back-up. Shana could be a great Saturday Night Live act. Her music is very today, but I wouldn't call it alternative. I'd call it rock and roll. "Whatever You Want, Yes, Yes, Yes" is another hit, closer to alternative. On this one she had a Tina Turner in a higher register sound, The girl can sing.
We heard a blues tune and some funk. This is a hot band doing a tres cool performance. Both the breakers and the locals were impressed. Next was a song about a guy named "Joey", again, well written. The group was recording a live album at the Parrot, which I'm anxious to hear. The flaw in the evening was the sound. We were subjected to five full minutes of pure feedback, loud enough to deafen, and they never got Shana's vocal loud enough. Shana carried it all off in a good natured way. No ego here.
I loved a tune called "Cherry On Top", a funky, high energy chart prospect. Jimmy Fisher played some hot lead, then the vocal and lead echoed. Someone has done some very good arrangements. The musicianship is rock solid. "I Want You Back In My Life Again" has a Steely Dan feel with great chords and a slick key change. They closed the set with a blazing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in something close to a salsa beat. It was reminiscent of Lionel Ritchie's "All Night Long". It really worked.
I believe Shana Morrison will be a star before long. The talent is there. When they work the kinks out of the show, they'll take off. Van, your daughter is A-OK! Stay cool!