Maureen Anderson, lead vocals, poet, lyric writer.
Dave Johnson, lead guitar.
Rizz Rizzla, bass.
Dave Green, drums.
Susie, dance, percussion, some backing vocals.
Nick Nixon, performance art.
Lighting effects by Lumiere ogbanjE
A psychedelic rock band from Leicester, with a very loyal cult following, Shapeshifter was formed by Maureen Anderson in 1992. Following several changes of line up over the years, Shapeshifter now has a core membership of Maureen, Dave Johnson, Rizz, Dave Green and dancer, Susie. Alan Freeman sometimes also plays synthesiser to add an ethereal quality to the driving rhythms of Dave and Rizz. The band are usually joined by performance artist Nick who adds a sense of fun and mischief to the occasion. Shapeshifter are a full on 'happening': pounding rhythms; humour and poetry in the lyrics; a Heath Robinsonesque, retro light show; belly dance; mime; costume changes; even audience participation.
If you're new to the experience, Shapeshifter are like nothing you've seen or heard before although sometimes compared to Zappa, Beefheart and Nico by those who need a convenient hook on which to hang their ideas.
http://podsafeaudio.com/jamroom/bands/2241/
Poem for Dave Johnson by M.Anderson c2009 The circle turns endlessly The ring passes not, no beginning, no end I am born, I live, I die, I die, I am born, I live The Fool dances across the edge of time Descends into deep dark valleys Ascends the mountain peaks Eternal wanderer Completes the circle, The ring has no beginning, no end The ring passeth not I arise, I become the Magician The light passes through me and I become one With the Creator, I create The yellow ocean, sacred fire Purified desire… I battle my inner demons I gain the prize, symbol of infinity Eight my fate, my destiny I wrestle the green lion, I am victorious over the red lion The white lion rises, we are one, joined by a garland of red roses I ride the chariot, victorious, ‘Neath the canopy of stars The black sphinx and the white sphinx Under my control Eternity my goal, the prize my soul Weighed against the feather of Maat Balancing the scales, I raise the sword of Justice Truth prevails My crown, the eternal eight Above my head, Illuminates The golden stream that flows as fire Love, wisdom, compassion, creativity, Reality. As above so below, Let the river of life flow I rise from the ashes of destruction, Which is also my resurrection I enter into the fifth kingdom Alchemist, turned from lead to gold Holy trinity, my infinity Gabriel, Raphael and Auriel join to form a triangle As do Azriel, Uriel and Michael, They fuse to become Star of David, macrocosm The magician holds in his hand Five pointed star, microcosm The sign of man Both I am, I am The fate of humankind, lies in each and every mind We think and so it comes to pass Environment, our looking glass… Eternally the circle turns Learn to square the circle Circle the square You will find me there EVERYWHERE!!!
