Shanna Sharp

CD Review: Shanna Sharp: Long Distance Calls from A One Night Stand
Give a girl a guitar, let her galavant across Europe, and... well, you end up with one hell of an album.

Distinctively unique and driven by a truly warm, emotional voice and superb songwriting, Shanna Sharp's "Long Distance Calls from a One Night Stand" - inspired by a tour of Europe -expands upon what has always been a winning formula for the artist.

Granted it was over a decade ago... and she was alone, perched on a bar stool in a smokey drag club. Just a girl and a guitar. But she played and sang... and played and sang, casting her spell on the crowd with a rich voice and a strain of creativity uncommon to those her age. Something was different, however. An unbridled ability to connect with her audience. A voice you couldn't forget. A storytelling prowess worthy of a much older hall-of-famer.

And with "Long Distance Calls from a One Stand" she has thankfully remained Shanna, not inclined to portray someone she isn't or write souless music just to sell CDs. It doesn't matter how many bandmates she brings into the fold or how her artistic vision expands, she's still one bad ass girl with a guitar and a gospel choir sized voice.

From the driving, infectious "Pavement" to the insatiably clever "Stupid," Sharp shines, exhibiting the trademark soulful voice and defiantly independent artistic vision which have been the hallmark of her work. "Stupid" in particular invokes laughs and nods of agreement. The lyrics are worthy of framing and posting on your bedroom wall.

The song your synapses won't be able to shake is the anthem-worthy "Amsterdam." Sweeping and emotional, you simply have to give it a spin.

Sporting 16 tracks, "Long Distance Calls From A One Night Stand" boasts a diversity of music, from the haunting "Forget" to the orchestra-infused, dramatic "Impeccable Timing," and the hypnotic, angst-fueled "Lies" to the romping ska-laced "Fool."

And though she can kick a one-woman show any time, anywhere and captivate an audience, Sharp exericses an exceptionally healthy chemistry with music mates, piano pimp Brian Nash (who can work his voodoo on anything that has keys and own it) and drummer Michael Herklots. Also joining the woman with the voice are Dean Cassell on bass, Milt Reder on electric guiatars and percussionist Nate Dube.

Buy the CD. Now, dammit.

You can visit Shanna Sharp online and view the feature, "In Bed With Shanna Sharp" @ http://www.inbedwithshannasharp.blogspot.com. Her official website: http://www.shannasharp.com.

About the author: Joseph O. Patton is the editor-in-chief and founder of the Capital City Free Press.

Copyright © Capital City Free Press - Capital City Free Press

GayCities New York Editor JJ Keyes caught up with singer/songwriter Shanna Sharp, who not only won America’s Next Top Glamazon the other night, but is prepping to release her latest album, “Long Distance Calls From a One Night Stand,” this weekend.

Name: Shanna Sharp
Home: New York City
Hails from: Alabama
Relationship Status: Taken
Spotted on a typical New York Saturday night: The Duplex

Shanna! You’re just won America’s Next Top Glamazon! What was it like?
It was fun and intense. We had fueding drag queen judges, Hedda Lettuce and Logan Hardcore, and we all know you don’t want an angry, drunk, drag queen with a microphone. Or maybe you do but not when they’re judging you. I thought everyone really brought it and the Therapy audience was so supportive. It was a tough competition and it felt great to win.

You have a big CD coming out
I do.

Spill, girl
The hard copy CD release is November 6th with a digital release coming in early December. You can come by the Duplex Piano Bar any Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday to pick up an advance copy.

“Long Distance Calls From a One Night Stand”… Where did that come from?
The album is the story of my travels through Europe and the love affairs that followed me throughout. There were definitely some juicy ones that would make a gay boy blush.

I love Europe! Where did you go?
I was in London, Paris, Ireland, Amsterdam, and Germany. I really loved Amsterdam and not just for the obvious reasons. We stayed with a local and were there during the Queens Day festival. I met amazing people and one in particular that I returned to visit. It was a magical time and the obvious reasons probably contributed to the magic a bit. I sing about it in the track “Amsterdam.” I know, really hard to figure out that one.

Release party?
There is! The CD release concert, which is the biggest concert my band and I have had yet, will be Saturday, November 6th at Bowery Electric (Bowery btw. 2nd & 3rd streets) starting at 7pm with opening act Sarah Tracey. We take the stage at 8pm. There will be strings and horns and lots of gay men and straight women.

You are huge in New York’s Gay scene. We always love catching you at the Duplex and Stonewall. Where else do you perform?
I have been lucky enough to play Therapy and Vlada in the city but I’ve also gotten to travel gay pride festivities throughout the US.

Favorite gig?
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. After just doing a six-week run at Therapy with the Glamazon’s competition, I have to say that getting ready in the kitchen and the storage cooler is quite an experience. I think the Kitchen guys liked our costume changes, too!

Shanna Sharp concerts are jam packed with cute gay boys. How’d you get to be such a gay magnet?
Well I’ve been told I’m a gay boy trapped in a girl’s body. And on most days I’d have to agree. I guess they like the honesty. I don’t apologize for who or how I love; or how many for that matter. And I’m not afraid to share the story. The beauty of life is the stories we create.

I always seem to run into you in the West Village. What are some of your favorite spots for dinner?
Sometimes I feel like I live there–only without the crazy rent. I love Joseph Leonard on Christopher St. and Waverly. (Although they just had a fire and are temporarily closed. Boo.) I am obsessed with Blind Tiger on Bleeker. Some of the best beer ever and really yummy sandwiches to help with sobriety.

I love that place. What’s your favorite sandwich there?
By far the Bloody Beast. A rare roast beef sandwhich on a toasted bun with melted cheese and carmalized onions w/ a horseradish cocktail sauce on the side for dipping. I could eat twelve!

Good God, me too. How about a nice spot for a low-key coffee date?
Joe coffee is great! It’s on Waverly & Gay Street. I took it as a sign it must be fabulous and it is. I’ve met for many a coffee date there with my gay and straight boys alike.

You’re in touch with the music scene.
Bartini has - www.gaycities.com

Unless you’re headed on the path toward Country music stardom, Alabama would not be the place to kick off a music career. Singer/songwriter Shanna Sharp knew this, and moved up to New York from her native homeland seeking opportunities as a rock artist.

Sharp’s second full-length album Running from Bushwick is full of toe-tapping songs that touch on many genres, from jazz to country and blues. Her sound is a little difficult to describe, it’s on two different planes of mainstream and indie, pop and blues rock. Think of two drastically diverse artists, like Shania Twain (but less cheesy) mixed with the fiery melodies of Ani DiFranco and bluesy sultriness of Joan Osborne. Not too mellow, yet not too intense either.

Some songs are sweet (“New Chance,” “Songs Already Played”) while some are a little spicier (“Where U Wanna Go,” “Kiss Me”). “Baby” is a wailing rock tune filled with classic guitar licks then smoothly transforms into acoustic ballads (“Two Voices,” “Joni & Jimi” which I’m sure is an ode to what undoubtedly are some her influences, Joni Mitchell and Jimi Hendrix).

Without a doubt she has a strong voice and can write some decent songs. Folk fans will definitely take a liking to Running from Bushwick. Unlike some new female artists to hit the music scene recently, Sharp’s voice is clear yet accompanies perfectly with the melodies, from start to finish.

What impresses me about Shanna Sharp is her determination and, plain and simple, she’s ballsy. Her talent presented many record label opportunities, but she managed to steer clear of molding to a manufactured image. Her first priority is to make music and be known throughout New York (and hopefully the rest of the country) as a gal from the South who can write a good song and sing well. With so many artists who can’t even write a good song, Sharp is a rare treasure. Although I would like to see Sharp go farther in her career because we need these types of artists in the limelight, it might be best for her to keep low with her strong following, at least for now.

- Rachel Mercurio