Maia

Shining talent:
What a treat. Friends ask me how I find the great music I turn them on to, and I say I travel the rails on Amazon. I found Beth Nielsen Chapman, Jeff Larson and Lucy Kaplansky. I also learned about Art Garfunkel's brilliant new release, a CD that's been in my various players for weeks now, and I followed the trail to Maia Sharp. This CD is outstanding. I really enjoy the variety here, with several multi-talented musicians adding depth to the fine lyrics she writes. I especially like her sax work, feeling that it provides that extra, singular touch to make this CD so memorable. Much to my delight, and without prior knowledge, I noticed that Maia has plugged in professionally with Jonatha Brooke, a spectacular, under-appreciated talent who manages to make music that defies genre-placement and forces listeners to reread the lyrics while they drift inside her supple melodies. Maia can sing, she can share her anger or joy, and she can make music that is a guiding light for folk-rock enthusiasts who want the extra spice of jazz in their musical diet. The Garfunkel collaboration was inspired and opened the door as an intro for those of us who had not heard Maia before. With this CD, Maia Sharp blows the door right off the hinges.

Warm & Calming. Will Make a Regular Appearance in my Player:
Maia Sharp has had a lifetime affair with music, growing up in a musical household with her Songwriter Dad Randy Sharp and her mother Sharon Bays. Maia wrote all the music for this album with assistance from Randy Sharp, Colin James, Nathan December, Andy Georges, David Batteau, Pam Rose, Susan Ashton, Janet Robin, Buddy Mondlock, Kim Richy, and Paul Thorn. She's written songs for the Dixie Chicks, Amanda Marshall, David Wilcox, Cher, Paul Carrack, Alannah Myles and Randy Sharp. This is Maia Sharp's second release, her first with Concord Records. She has also collaborated with Art Garfunkel and Buddy Mondlock on Everything Wait's to Be Noticed released in 2002. Maia's often poetic lyrics are laced with moral issues. Her slow, sexy compilation is music with a conscience and a message. It isn't condescending and there is no self sympathy. The tracks are mellow and I couldn't help but sway along. And any album that includes the lyrics gets extra points with me. The only negative thing I have to say is the appearance of the F-word on the third track, "Long Way Home." It seems out of place in the landscape of the other songs. I hate to compare artists but for comparison's sake I would have to say she reminds me of Jann Arden, both in lyrics and vocally. Maia's earthy country/pop/jazz sound is warm and calming where Arden's can be somewhat irritating on replay. Maia produced this album and except for two tracks recorded it in her home studio. Powerful moral lyrics highlight the first track, Crimes Of The Witness. This song will make you think twice before sitting back and letting someone else step forward to help or worse, sit back and do nothing all. The rhythm of the chorus is catchy and rolls smoothly with Maia's voice and lyrics. Maia wrote this song with her father Randy Sharp. Happiness, is the eighth track. I loved this song from the first time I heard it. Redefining success "to mean you always do your best" and not by the possessions you do or don't have. If I had to pick a favourite song this would be it. The final track charmed my sentimental side. Ghosts, was recorded in 1976. A young Maia sings a simple song with the encouragement of her father and mother. It makes a sweet ending to this album. This CD will make a regular appearance in my player for years to come. Review Originally Posted at http://www.linearreflections.com

WOW! Awesome in concert!:
I saw Maia Sharp open for Bonnie Raitt and I was BLOWN away with her voice. She sounds as good if not better live, which is a hard thing to do. She is multi-talented, she can play the guitar, keyboard, clarenet, and bass sax. Her rich voice is very powerful and her lyrics are amazing. Very catchy, a great road trip cd. She writes so many songs, and people like Bonnie Raitt and Dixie Chicks, and more sing her songs. She rocks! If you get a chance, see her in concert!

Awesome artist!!:
I first discovered Maia Sharp with the song "Something Wild" from "Fine Upstanding Citizen" and fell in love with her words, her music and her voice. I bought this CD because I just had to hear more & I was not disappointed. She is consistently awesome!!

wow!!!!:
This CD is fantastic!!! The music is wonderful and her voice is beautiful. The lyrics are powerful and touching. I love this CD!!!