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biography
Marsia Shuron Harris performs solo and with the band Mother Turtle. Her brand of "universal" music is winning over audiences wherever she goes.
Songs are soulful, rooted in personal growth, social consciousness, love and a larger vision for the world as a whole. Her blend of soul, rock, folk and jazz, tends to attract a variety of music fans of all ages. The Union News calls her music, "inspirational" and "moving." Her voice is "distinctive." Even vocal virtuoso Martin Sexton says that Marsia has "the deepest, darkest, most delicious voice." She has opened for Sexton as well as other recording artist's such as, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jeffrey Gaines, Vance Gilbert, Louise Taylor, Canada's Moxy Fruvous, Jefferson Airplanes' Paul Kantner, Chris Stills, Stone Coyotes and others.
In the summer of 2004, Marsia formed the band Mother Turtle, where she is songwriter and front woman for the band. Lead guitarist Atticus Robbins, brings a unique mix of Latin, reggae and rock to the group, while percussionist Busta B. (a.k.a. Ade Bayo), an accomplished African drummer from the Bamidele Dance and Drum Troupe; keeps the grooves upbeat and danceable. On bass is the popular and always funky, Peter Kim. Each member of Mother Turtle brings something very different to the group, resulting in music that moves not only your hips but your heart as well. Now 2 years since the band began, the group has recorded a demo, performed to enthusiastic crowds at such venues as the Iron Horse Music Hall, Stephen Talkhouse, Chance Theatre, Academy of Music Opera House, and a plethora of events, festivals and concerts. The coming year should find them exploring new territory in songwriting as they work on first time group collaborations and begin spending more time on the road. A full length CD is in the works and new band members are being added to this already spectacular group.
In the early '90's Marsia debuted with a seven-piece band at the Hatch Shell on the Boston Esplanade. She was welcomed into Boston's active acoustic music scene and her music played regularly on college radio and other local stations. A self-taught musician, Marsia honed her skills while performing on the streets of Harvard Square and at Boston area clubs and coffeehouses.
In 1994 Marsia joined forces with fellow singer/songwriter Adrienne and formed the duo AYE, an original world, folk and rock act (ayemusic.com). The two garnered rave reviews and released their well-received CD, "Sweet Life" before disbanding in 2002. Marsia has performed solo and with AYE at numerous venues throughout the Northeast. Places such as the Bitter End, Sidewalk Café, Middle East Café, Club Passim, Karma Club, Club Metronome and others. She has also showcased at NACA and performed at many colleges and festivals.
Her vocals can be heard on a variety of recording projects including an interactive theatre exhibit produced by Peace River Films and she has also co-written songs for a national curriculum program on AIDS awareness, entitled "Staying out of the Risky Zone." Recently, Marsia's voice is featured on a Grammy listed score by composer Ruth Mendelson, which can be heard as part of a nationally touring exhibit presently on display at the New England Aquarium. She is a two-time Lilith Fair finalist, whose songs range from soulful ballads to groove laden rock-n-roll. An engaging performer, Boston Women's Voice says, "on stage, she's magic." Whether with the band Mother Turtle or armed only with her voice and guitar, Marsia Shuron Harris is a talent worth checking out.
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