The Key West Years

Having experienced first hand the life of the modern troubadour, Marsia Shuron Harris and Adrienne write songs from the soul. There are messages here, songs of protest and peace, and efforts to raise the collective consciousness. Interspersed among the heavier issues are softer moments- love songs and personal reflections. The feel is much like that of a 60s coffee house; or, for that matter, a 90s MTV "Unplugged" session.

Both ladies are great singers, and that's where their vocal similarities end. Adrienne's voice unfurls high in the soprano range, delicate as lace. Her delivery is light and sweet. Marsia has a voice like a maple tree trunk, low and reassuring, full of life. Harmonies are intricately interwoven, and there are moments of inspired music, when their voices blend like two well played instruments.

A wise man once said, "All things come to those who wait." And most of us living here in Key West don't usually have to wait too long. There are a multitude of advantages in living here at the edge of the earth, waiting for all things to flow down US 1 and land in our laps. And not too long ago a great new musical duo called Aye came down US 1.

Marsia Shuron Harris has a gregarious yet serious nature. Her voice projects the best of two worlds. Powerful wisps of breath flow with soulful virtuosity across a golden voice of silken chords. Adrienne has a sweet sexy voice. Their vocal harmonies are an impeccable melodic mix.

Aye is a Key West musical success story in the making. They are truly one of the finest musical acts to find their way down US 1 in a long while.

By Michele Monfort
Citizen Staff Writer

As the saying goes 'every good thing must come to an end' - and to show their appreciation, the popular musical duo AYE will salute the locals of Key West with a farewell concert.

After two successful years hitting the club scene in Key West, Adrienne and Shuron of AYE have decided to press on by heading back to their homeland in Boston, Mass., to produce a new CD featuring a fresh mix of their latest tunes.

Since they have formed as a duo and been performing their act in Key West, Adrienne and Shuron feel their time spent here has helped them to develop as a whole.

"We were originally solo artists doing the street scene and local clubs in Cambridge and the Boston area" said Adrienne. "So when we first came here, we didn't know what to expect; but we found ourselves booked for gigs five nights a week.

"Since we've been together in Key West, we have grown and changed a lot as a group - polished our act, and now our aim is to focus solely on our music and produce our new CD back home."

Both artists have agreed that creating music and performing in front of a live audience is their life-long dream, which has become more a reality with their ever-growing recognition.

When a friend suggested two and a half years ago that Adrienne and Shuron should tour south to Key West to "blossom in paradise" - they did just that. Now fully blossomed - Aye is picking up and moving on to follow their dream.

On an Island as small as Key West, it's tempting to want to keep a good thing to yourself.

This phenomena reared it's protective head last thursday night as I sat on the oceanside deck of the reach resort listening to the soothing sounds of Aye, as a blissful breeze blew in off the Atlantic.

The lyrics to their original songs, are reminiscent of the Joni Mitchell school of poetics. Original pieces like Adrienne's "Caged in My Own Silence" and Marsia's "Hard to Let Go are fine examples of both the women's writing and musicianship. The two serve to compliment each other in creating soft flowing harmonies and a sound that is new, yet familiar.

Credits: photo-collages by Claire Muller and Angela, playbill graphics by Bone Island Sun