Search - Maia Sharp :: Fine Upstanding Citizen

What's On Your Mind?

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 06/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maia Sharp's 3rd CD "Fine Upstanding Citizen" is another excellent disc that is fascinating & emotionally engaging. When you stick the disc in the computer, it labels the genre as country. Maia's music reflects more of a pop sensibility, despite recording in Nashville and her obvious connection to her father, long-time country musician Randy Sharp. Of the many outstanding tracks here, "Wisdom" has Maia's driving electric lead and an addictive chorus, "So many empty nights more than anything clouded my vision." "Flood" is another lovely track with a haunting melody, Maia's impassioned vocal, "I'd change direction fast as a hurricane or politician, then I'd wonder why nothing lasts on the long way around." The opener, "Red Dress," is a delightful protest about the music industry, "You can say what's on your mind as long as it's on their minds too; it isn't in their hearts to find a little room for some other point of view." The title track is a hilarious jazzy ditty where Maia gets the most musically creative with her raging sax solo and the lyrical twist from the point of view of a shoplifter. The single "Something Wild" has Greg Morrow's thundering tribal drumbeat and some tasty electric guitar from Will Kimbrough. The other tracks such as "A Home" that was the title song for the Dixie Chicks' CD, "The Reminder" & "Kinder Blues" are all jewels. On the packaging is a promo quote from Bonnie Raitt, "Maia is making some of the most innovative & soulful music around. She has become one of my favorite artists. 'Fine Upstanding Citizen' is a brilliant album, start to finish." High praise indeed from another of our master musicians! Bravo!



[Note: All the reviews mysteriously disappeared for this CD; so I'm attempting to put mine back. If it eventually results in a double posting, please accept my apology.]"

Fine Upstanding Citizen Shines Brightly for Sharp

A. Ponti | Portland, Maine | 04/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record has barely left my home and office cd players and my favorite track on it changes daily. At the moment it's "Kinder Blues" and a few days ago it was "Red Dress." I just saw her live a few nights ago and live she shines even brighter in person, playing an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, piano and a saxaphone like nobody's business. Her voice is strong, soulful and gorgeous. The songwriting is inviting and emotionally rich while also being clever. I am glad I finally connected the dots with the artist and have schooled myself with her impressive history and earlier releases. Do yourself a favor, grab a copy of "Fine Upstanding Citizen" drown yourself in it and then when you come up for air check out her other stuff, including "Everything Waits to be noticed," which she did with Art Garfunkel and Buddy Mondlock a few years ago."

Great Live Too!

Kenneth Montgomery | Akron, Ohio | 03/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Met Maia Sharp last week at her live appearance in Akron, sound quality on her live show was nearly as good as the albumn. She is an intelligent, approachable female vocalist and very talented songwriter. The wit and wisdom apparent in her songs impressed me and has made me a fan for life... even having never heard of her before...



Look for more big things from Maia..."