Maia Sharp’s voice is warm, dreamy and smooth on the ears. It’s mellow but intricately personal. Bring Bonnie Raitt’s delivery and style in range but keep the target on Sharp. She is clever in that in combining guitars and an easy yet strong vibe with a sleek side of production by her and her songwriting. Sharp shares an individual story in each song filled with emotional vibrancy. She excels at songwriting and teller of tales, and this shows on Mercy Rising. “Whatever We Are” is timeless in the yearning and beauty in the pure simplicity of love. Sharp takes it to town with “Not Your Friend,” which tells the story of a woman who is simply tired of being “just friends.” Take the track “Backburner,” which is invigorating with innovative lyrics such as “When I put you on the backburner, you set the place on fire.” The song sizzles like water being brought to a boil on the stove, and it is wisely romantic at the same time. Sharp isn’t for the emotionally stilted but for the people who understand that sometimes feelings exposed and a beautiful voice deserve to be heard. Available May 7
MAN ON MAN Man on Man
MERCY RISING Maia Sharp
It’s not a novelty or as innovative as much anymore to come out as an openly gay singer or musician. Yes, it’s commendable and honest but that doesn’t make the music created any better or worse. However, in the case of Joey Holman and Roddy Bottum of Man on Man, their musicianship and musical style is spot on and surprisingly well done. They may look like two former wrestlers or two bears of a certain age but the heart and talent shines through on their debut. The old adage applies here: Never judge a book by its cover. From the song “It’s So Fun (To Be Gay),” think new Pride anthem to the positivity and strong arrangements and guitars of “1983” as these two gay lovers and music makers have got it going on unabashedly and proudly with the lyrics and music. At times sexual, at times serious and at times exuberant, the dynamic duo is making their presence known. Available May 7
Bill Biss has been writing since 2000 about the people who create magic in music, film and book. His knowledge of the entertainment business has even impressed gossip columnist Liz Smith. He has been a member of Team Rage since its inception in 2007.
MAY 2021| @theragemonthly 25
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